Severine loves her new husband, but isn't interested in intimacy with him, instead exploring erotic daydreams to satisfy her desires. But when that isn't enough, she begins working at a Parisian brothel under an assumed name, while maintaining celibacy in her marriage.
Catherine Deneuve (Severine/Belle), Jean Sorel (Pierre), Michel Piccoli (Husson), Genevieve Page (Madame Anais), Pierre Clementi (Marcel), Francoise Fabian (Charlotte), Macha Meril (Renee).
Belle de Jour is an unusual film following the life of Severine, a frigid newlywed who decides to work afternoons as a Parisian prostitute to satisfy her physical needs, even while maintaining celibacy in her marriage. Severine's fantasies of domination, humiliation, and abuse aren't something she wants to explore with her husband, but is willing to explore with others. Eventually this leads to a client becoming infatuated, putting Severine's charmed life in jeopardy. The film is a bit choppy and fantasy scenes are presented without warning of any kind, but the story is told well.
Acting almost felt painful in this one. Part of that of course is the age and origin of the film. Deneuve felt almost detached, which actually added to the mystery of her fantasies. Sorel was decent and Piccoli was an appropriate antagonist. Clementi was unusual enough to be interesting, while Page was a close second.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are enjoyable with a solid, realistic feel. Dialogue was a bit dry, and the subtitles (this is in French) could have been timed better. Sound is decent.
Overall Belle de Jour is an interesting story of eroticism and the exploration of fantasies. The film is showing some age, and could have used a serious infusion of energy, but we would imagine at the time it was released it was probably considered somewhat racy. Those who enjoy older Foreign Romance should enjoy this one.
With some intimate fantasies, nudity, and mild violence, this one is best saved for adults.
Released: 1967
Reviewed: 4.8.18
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Classics, Foreign Romance, Foreign Art, French films
copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel
Catherine Deneuve (Severine/Belle), Jean Sorel (Pierre), Michel Piccoli (Husson), Genevieve Page (Madame Anais), Pierre Clementi (Marcel), Francoise Fabian (Charlotte), Macha Meril (Renee).
Belle de Jour is an unusual film following the life of Severine, a frigid newlywed who decides to work afternoons as a Parisian prostitute to satisfy her physical needs, even while maintaining celibacy in her marriage. Severine's fantasies of domination, humiliation, and abuse aren't something she wants to explore with her husband, but is willing to explore with others. Eventually this leads to a client becoming infatuated, putting Severine's charmed life in jeopardy. The film is a bit choppy and fantasy scenes are presented without warning of any kind, but the story is told well.
Acting almost felt painful in this one. Part of that of course is the age and origin of the film. Deneuve felt almost detached, which actually added to the mystery of her fantasies. Sorel was decent and Piccoli was an appropriate antagonist. Clementi was unusual enough to be interesting, while Page was a close second.
Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are enjoyable with a solid, realistic feel. Dialogue was a bit dry, and the subtitles (this is in French) could have been timed better. Sound is decent.
Overall Belle de Jour is an interesting story of eroticism and the exploration of fantasies. The film is showing some age, and could have used a serious infusion of energy, but we would imagine at the time it was released it was probably considered somewhat racy. Those who enjoy older Foreign Romance should enjoy this one.
With some intimate fantasies, nudity, and mild violence, this one is best saved for adults.
Released: 1967
Reviewed: 4.8.18
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Classics, Foreign Romance, Foreign Art, French films
copyright ©2018 Dave Riedel
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