Donkey Skin
Peau d'âne
France • 1970
Director
#718Criterion Collection →Synopsis
In this lovingly crafted, wildly eccentric adaptation of a classic French fairy tale, Jacques Demy casts Catherine Deneuve as a princess who must go into hiding as a scullery maid in order to fend off an unwanted marriage proposal—from her own father, the king (Jean Marais). A topsy-turvy riches-to-rags fable with songs by Michel Legrand, DONKEY SKIN creates a tactile fantasy world that’s perched on the border between the earnest and the satiric, and features Delphine Seyrig in a delicious supporting role as a fashionable fairy godmother.
Synopsis
In this lovingly crafted, wildly eccentric adaptation of a classic French fairy tale, Jacques Demy casts Catherine Deneuve as a princess who must go into hiding as a scullery maid in order to fend off an unwanted marriage proposal—from her own father, the king (Jean Marais). A topsy-turvy riches-to-rags fable with songs by Michel Legrand, DONKEY SKIN creates a tactile fantasy world that’s perched on the border between the earnest and the satiric, and features Delphine Seyrig in a delicious supporting role as a fashionable fairy godmother.
Part of Box Set
Credits
Crew
DirectorJacques Demy
WriterJacques Demy
CinematographerGhislain Cloquet
ComposerMichel Legrand
EditorAnne-Marie Cotret
ProducerMag Bodard
Cast
Catherine Deneuveas Princess 'Donkey Skin'
Jacques Perrinas Prince Charming
Jean Maraisas The King
Delphine Seyrigas The Fairy