Maîtresse (1976)

I must have previously only seen the cut version of this and that version with some six minutes missing, clearly would have had some of its 'sting' removed. The complete film starts intriguingly enough with a young Gerard Depardieu playing amateur cat burglar with his loser pal when they stumble upon they know not what. Bulle Ogier, as the 'Maitresse' of the title soon gets rid of the loser and draws a starry eyed Depardieu into her lair. Apparently actual Parisian masochists were recruited (some say they even paid the film makers) into playing the roles we see enacted before our very eyes. Ogier is stunning in her Lagerfeld costumes and conducts her creatures most realistically while Depardieu seems to slip into the role of assistant (and lover), whipping and slapping like a real pro. This is astonishing stuff with very good dialogue and a sure hand on the directorship by Barbet Schroeder. I have to say that one scene was awesomely jaw dropping whilst another had me wincing and disappearing to the back of my chair. Having recently watched the director's, More and The Valley, this makes a sensational trio of unique films that deserve a much larger audience.

In Maitresse, a petty criminal, Olivier (Gerard Depardieu), and his accomplice break into and attempt to rob a flat. The flat is, in fact, an S&M dungeon, and Olivier and friend are apprehended by the mistress, Ariane (Bulle Ogier), and her vicious-looking Doberman pinscher. Olivier and Ariane are immediately intrigued by one another and embark on a love affair. As the story progresses, Olivier comes to terms with Ariane's profession, and she occasionally incorporates him into her work. But Olivier cannot abide that there is a mysterious other man in Ariane's life called Gautier, whom Ariane refuses to discuss. Olivier resolves to find Gautier and confront him, with disastrous consequences.Maitresse was controversial in its day; originally, it was banned in Britain and given an X rating in the U.S. for its graphic depiction of, among other sado-masochistic activities, Ariane nailing a client's penis to a board (an act that, according to reports, was not simulated). The film's depiction of sexual activity is less shocking in an age of ubiquitous internet pornography[1], and that probably is to the film's benefit. At its core, this is a relationship story, and it is a good one. Depardieu's Olivier is restlessly searching for someone or something to give meaning and direction to his life; Ogier's Ariane, so imposing in her role as dominatrix, seems much smaller and more fragile once she removes her wig, and is equally ready to find someone to love on her own terms, to fulfill her own emotional and sexual needs. Schroeder skilfully portrays the process through which they negotiate — in fits and starts, and not always successfully — the power structure of their relationship. [1] Although many viewers may find scenes of horses being slaughtered in an abattoir difficult to watch.

*** NB: THIS COMMENT MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS. ***The costumes in particular are dismayingly authentic and convincing, recalling original fetish heroine Diana Rigg in 60's TV series 'The Avengers.' Spike-heel ankleboots, trousers, corset, cloak and gloves all in the sleekest of black leather; add to this a purple velvet shawl, a perfect black wig and Bull Ogier's timeless bemused innocence, and a masochist's screen starlet is born. Her spot-on kinkiness is, if anything, a more cultivated progression on her English predecessor: one gruesome episode aside, she does precisely all the things you wished Emma Peel would do. In short, Schroeder's feature's impact is greatest at its most simple and straightforwardly visual i.e. when Arianne dons the leathers, wields her whips and coolly dispenses the sport to her minions. If (like me) this is your chief interest in the film - and it might well be - then yes, certainly, do seek it out.

Before I saw this film I was warned that the film contains quite a few explicit sexual ideas and images but I have to say that I found the film to be a beautiful romantic .It isn't a conventional romance ,rather extreme if I dare to say,but nevertheless you can easily identify yourself with some of the scenes.Me personally would categorise this film as an Atmospheric Romantic.quite self-explanatory!