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6.9/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.9/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Prix de beauté (Miss Europe) remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
Okay, so Prix de beauté, also known as Miss Europe, is one of those films you kinda *have* to see if you’re into older movies. It's not a casual Friday night popcorn flick, definitely not. But if you enjoy digging into early cinema, especially with a strong female lead and some real, raw melodrama, then yeah, it’s totally worth your time. If you’re someone who needs super fast pacing or constant action, you'll probably find this one a bit slow, to be honest. 🎬
Lucienne starts out as just another typist, you know, grinding away at the office. The whole busy vibe of her workplace feels pretty authentic. Then she spots that newspaper ad for the beauty contest, and you can practically see the idea *spark* in her eyes. It’s a small detail, but it speaks volumes about her quiet ambition.
Her boyfriend, André, is a character, alright. When he finds out she entered, his face just *contorts* with anger. He’s so possessive, it’s almost absurd how extreme his reactions get. He even tries to physically stop her from going to the finals! It’s a wild kind of jealousy.
The pageant scenes are pretty grand for their time, I suppose. The crowd shots are interesting; sometimes they feel a little stiff, like everyone was told exactly where to stand. But you still get a sense of the excitement. When Lucienne wins Miss France, then Miss Europe, it all happens so fast for her. It’s like she’s just swept up in this whirlwind of fame.
Suddenly, she’s surrounded by admirers, she's famous, but she also seems totally disconnected from her old life. There's this quiet sadness in her eyes sometimes, even with all the glamour surrounding her. It's a really good, subtle touch, that.
Louise Brooks, playing Lucienne, is just magnetic. Her expressions, even without much dialogue, tell you everything you need to know. She really carries the entire film on her shoulders. It’s hard to take your eyes off her when she’s on screen. ✨
There's a scene where she's practicing her walk, just a little bit awkwardly, in her small room. It felt so incredibly human and relatable. Also, the use of sound, since it’s an early talkie, is kinda patchy. Sometimes it’s there, sometimes it cuts out, which can be a little jarring. But in a weird way, it adds to its historical charm, I guess.
The camera often just sits and watches, letting the emotions play out on faces. There aren't a lot of quick cuts to save anyone from having to truly *act* their part. It's very much a film that relies on performance over rapid editing.
The ending… man. It’s a real gut punch. It really makes you think about what fame truly costs, even back then. That final image, it just hangs there. You feel the weight of it, for sure. It *really* lingers after the credits roll. 💔
It’s a tragic story, honestly. About chasing dreams and how sometimes, those dreams can turn sour. Not an easy watch, maybe, but definitely one that sticks with you long after it’s over. It's more than just a beauty contest story; it's a look at the price of being seen.
IMDb 6.2
1928
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