Thanks to Natalie Davis's consulting on this film, The Return of Martin Guerre is a perfect example of a very historically accurate movie, save for an almost farcical courtroom scene that was Davis was too late to save. It is the original story of identity theft that has been told many times (like in Downton Abbey). It depicts peasant life in a sixteenth century French village in all of its odd practices, showerless homes, and dirty clothing--though notably Natalie Davis couldn't stand how clean the actress who plays Bertrande looks for a peasant. In fact, the movie was nominated for Best Costume Design at the Oscars. Davis only had so much power in the production of the movie, but really an unprecedented amount of influence over the atmosphere created by the movie. It is certainly a commendable effort, unfortunately I am not a huge fan of sixteenth century French villages.
