There's plenty of films about the Marquis de Sade (their purpose and effectiveness being rather varied); but this one stands out from them all due to it's style and execution...both of which are extremely weird to say the least. The film grabs you right from the start with the bizarre character costumes; but unfortunately doesn't manage to keep the interest throughout, despite a number of very good and amusing ideas. I really do admire what director Henri Xhonneux was trying to do; but unfortunately, the otherworldly style of the film and general artiness leaves it feeling cold and distant long before the end. The film focuses on the Marquis de Sade during his imprisonment in the Bastille. His only desire is to write erotic novels; but there's debauchery going on all around him. A corrupt priest arranges for a woman who was impregnated by the king to be raped by the Marquis de Sade so as to excuse the king, while also stealing the Marquis' literary works to sell for his own profit.
The costumes used in the film are interesting to say the least and are all a cross between humans and some sort of animal. This gives the film a style all of its own, which is very much to its credit. This does, however, leave the story and characters as co-stars; as while the audience is likely to be fascinated by the costumes, the plot is not nearly as interesting; which is unfortunate. I've also got to say that the style didn't really work for me - it's interesting, but inherently ugly; me being a viewer who enjoys visually pleasing aesthetics. The most interesting and original idea in the film has to be the one that sees the lead character talking to his penis; which happens to have it's own face and personality. It works rather well and helps to increase the overall strangeness of the film. There's no shortage of debauchery in the film; although its impact is quelled somewhat by the style, which at times verges on being childish. Overall, this film will certainly be of interest to those that enjoy original films. I'm glad I saw it but wouldn't call it a favourite!
The costumes used in the film are interesting to say the least and are all a cross between humans and some sort of animal. This gives the film a style all of its own, which is very much to its credit. This does, however, leave the story and characters as co-stars; as while the audience is likely to be fascinated by the costumes, the plot is not nearly as interesting; which is unfortunate. I've also got to say that the style didn't really work for me - it's interesting, but inherently ugly; me being a viewer who enjoys visually pleasing aesthetics. The most interesting and original idea in the film has to be the one that sees the lead character talking to his penis; which happens to have it's own face and personality. It works rather well and helps to increase the overall strangeness of the film. There's no shortage of debauchery in the film; although its impact is quelled somewhat by the style, which at times verges on being childish. Overall, this film will certainly be of interest to those that enjoy original films. I'm glad I saw it but wouldn't call it a favourite!