French Art Films: The Cliff's Notes Version

[slipjig3]

Yesterday, I made passing mention of the film Romance, directed by, and I quote, "Catherine I-Have-Sexual-Issues-and-a-Camera Breillat." Since most of you have likely not sat through a Catherine Breillat film, I am realizing that perhaps a bit more explanation is in order. First off, despite her issues, she can indeed be a good director, when the self-indulgent side doesn't take over. (Her masterpiece Fat Girl is absolutely stunning, although difficult to watch at times and triggery as hell.) As for what her films are like.... Well, here, let me type for you the list of chapter titles from the Romance DVD, which is probably the best Reader's Digest Condensed summary of Breillat's content and style you'll ever see:

1. Matador
2. Cheating
3. Cage
4. Indifferent
5. Passion
6. Delicious
7. Had
8. Seduction
9. Disgusting
10. Caress
11. Yield
12. Desire
13. Domination
14. Beautiful
15. Painful
16. Dream
17. Moist
18. Equipment
19. Power Trip
20. Meat
21. Fabulous
22. Chasing
23. Even
24. End Credits

And, oh yes, she's French.

(On a side note, also post-scriptish to yesterday: Whoever at MGM green-lighted the script for To Live and Die in L.A. must have been snorting a sizable amount of nose Nikes. Same goes for Wang Chung.)

Comments

[felisdemens.livejournal.com]

I fell asleep three times during Romance. That says it all.

[slipjig.livejournal.com]

*nods* Here's my impression of me, watching the film: "Shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up, oh for the love of God will you PLEASE JUST STOP TALKING ALREADY, shut up, shut up...."

One mildly hot tying-up scene that goes nowhere, and a whole lotta babbling about how much she despises the man giving her orgasms, except when she's despising the man who's not.

hahaha!

[kiwitayro.livejournal.com]

this is fantastic.

not long ago, my boyfriend josh and i sat through Une Vrai Jeune Fille, jaws open, staring in disbelief that what we were seeing was actually the movie and not some horrid nightmare.

i love breillat's nickname. ;)

Re: hahaha!

[slipjig.livejournal.com]

*laughs* *bows* Catherine...um...has problems.

Holy crow, you saw that one? The one even the French banned? You're far braver than I am. (That said, there are people who are worse than Breillat. Whoever the hell directed Ma Mere needs to be sent somewhere quiet, desolate, and very, very distant.)