Bedtime Stories: Tales of Love and Hate

Wonderfully whimsical interpretation of Guy de Maupassant's "A Bedtime Story" starring Helene Cardona & Lee Godart.

Great theatre, witty dialogue, fine acting and appropriately quirky soundtrack. In her role as the betrayed wife, Cardona gloriously embodies the female trickster! Like all tricksters, she has suffered plenty, but "she refuses to be a victim," which is one of the signatures traits of the female trickster, according to Jungian scholar, Ricki Tannen. Through her antics and wiles, the female trickster disrupts the stagnant status quo; she doesn't just rebel, but brings about revolution! Cardona plays the role to a T -as in Trickster divine! Brava! And bravo to the brilliant and oh-so clever, Guy de Maupassant- trickster extraordinaire!

A trio of tales by classic authors entertains with taste and well within the context of today's mores in each tale's examination of foibles within matters of the heart. All three stories have endured the test of time, and each unfolds a compelling, updated study of classic conflicts between people. I was surprised to find Edgar Allan Poe's THE CASK OF AMONTILLADO in the mix, but let's say that this well-worn study of revenge claimed during a descent into the wine cellar from hell made a fitting nightcap for the collection.

The first tale, D. H. Lawrence's short story RAWDON'S ROOF, is a wistful examination of how a man's drive to feel independent ultimately deprives him of the love of his wife, his mistress, and the mistress's two daughters, whom he claims to love most. Jamie Askew as Janet, Rawdon's mistress whose spendthrift husband vanishes whenever debt collectors close in, imbues her character with dignity, patience, and grace as Rawdon trots out arguments for his rule about never allowing any woman to sleep under his roof. In the end, he gets to keep his roof, his way, and a sustained lifetime of regret. It is a love story without love, a paean to the wages of male selfishness and hollowness.

In Guy de Maupassant's A BEDTIME STORY, the stunning wife of a philandering husband cleverly conspires to lure him back into the marriage using every weapon in her considerable arsenal of beauty, wit, reason, negotiation, and seduction. While doing absolutely nothing wrong within the traditional bonds of wedlock, she seems primed to put the horns on him, turning each of his cynical choices back on him. On the surface, this is a French farce, but Hélène Cardona puts her character Margot through complicated changes and gyrations a wife must commandeer to seduce a husband to return. Hers is a challenging part, and despite the comic overtones, one understands that her husband's betrayal has wounded her deeply . It takes unimaginable life mastery to parlay such pain and disappointment into Margot's rapier of wits which keep her spouse off balance and sometimes off his feet. I was shaking my head in amazement and delight with her nimble performance. I wish more people could see Cardona at work. She is a formidable actress, and her character, well, I want to be that woman in my next life, if God is kind.

It's a fantastic joy to watch Helene Cardona in the second tale of the Bedside Stories. She is a glorious actress - gorgeous, talented, sexy and captivating. You can't take your eyes off of her! The performance is so extraordinary and her charismatic presence drives the movie from the very first scene. She has exceptional star quality and reminds me of Meryl Streep in the way she incorporates the role into her person and brings you along. I'd say it's worth watching all three bedside tales (which I enjoyed very much) just to experience Helene Cardona's exceptional performance. It is rare to find such a dazzling performance. Don't miss it!

Of the three tales, a favorite is the second one: Bedtime Story, where Helene Cardona masterfully portrays beautiful and sexy Margot, who comes up with a very unique plan she hopes will end her husband's philandering. Cardona's performance is perfectly executed-witty, fun, and delightful to watch!

The tale is based on a short story by acclaimed French writer Guy de Maupassant, famous as one of the greats in the art of storytelling for his sharp eye for detail and his deep understanding of human nature. Many of his works explore themes of love, loss, and the darker side of society, often with a hint of irony or subtly crafted critique.

Another performance by Helene Cardona audiences will recall is her charming portrayal of "Fuffi" in the Oscar-nominated movie Chocolat, directed by Lasse Hallström.