Sade

Rating:
Summary: Fabulous French Cinema
Review: This review refers to the DVD(Wellspring)edition of "Sade"...

Daniel Auteuil gives a mesmerizing performance as the Marquis de Sade in this wonderful film depicting de Sade's confinement during one of the most violent chapters of French history.

Heads roll(literally) in late 18th century France. It is the time of the "Reign of Terror" and many aristocrats await their fate...the guillotine! A special sanitarium is used for these upper-crust offenders and de Sade is among them. Found to be immoral and not fit for society, the man who lends his name to what we now call "sadism", never ceases to persue his right to express himself. Even many of the other prisoners feel he is beneath their station in life. But he brings a new awareness to them and when a young girl, the teenage daughter of one of these families expresses her regret that she will die before "experiencing" life, Sade makes it his mission to make sure she is awakened sensually before the end!

This film is beautifully directed by Benoit Jacquot. It captures the essence of the period with the exquiste cinematography of the settings, the authentic costumes, and the outstanding performances of the very talented cast.Although a fictionalized account, the story is believeable and you will get lost in this time and place. Auteuil will have you under his spell in no time. Marianne Denicourt is perfect in her portrayal of Sade's mistress who will do whatever it takes to keep him alive, and Isild Le Besco is remarkable in her intuitive performance of the young Emilie who turns to Sade in her time of fear.

The DVD by Wellspring is top of the line. The widescreen(2.35:1 aspect ratio) picture is gorgeuos. The colors are vibrant.The sourround sound is excellent. You have the choice of DD5.1 or 2.0. You can also choose to have the English subtitles on or off. The subtitles are clear and well placed. Features include an insightful interview with director Jacquot, and filmographies.

A fabulous piece of French cinema, but it may not be for everybody. The guillotine scenes may be disturbing to some, and of course with the main subject being the Marquis de Sade, there are some scenes that are quite erotic.(if this were an American film it may fall into the NC-17 rating).

If you are a fan of Auteuil, French films, or just fine filmmaking, have a look at "Sade".

Merci and...enjoy...Laurie

Rating:
Summary: Fabulous French Cinema
Review: This review refers to the DVD(Wellspring)edition of "Sade"...

Daniel Auteuil gives a mesmerizing performance as the Marquis de Sade in this wonderful film depicting de Sade's confinement during one of the most violent chapters of French history.

Heads roll(literally) in late 18th century France. It is the time of the "Reign of Terror" and many aristocrats await their fate...the guillotine! A special sanitarium is used for these upper-crust offenders and de Sade is among them. Found to be immoral and not fit for society, the man who lends his name to what we now call "sadism", never ceases to persue his right to express himself. Even many of the other prisoners feel he is beneath their station in life. But he brings a new awareness to them and when a young girl, the teenage daughter of one of these families expresses her regret that she will die before "experiencing" life, Sade makes it his mission to make sure she is awakened sensually before the end!

This film is beautifully directed by Benoit Jacquot. It captures the essence of the period with the exquiste cinematography of the settings, the authentic costumes, and the outstanding performances of the very talented cast.Although a fictionalized account, the story is believeable and you will get lost in this time and place. Auteuil will have you under his spell in no time. Marianne Denicourt is perfect in her portrayal of Sade's mistress who will do whatever it takes to keep him alive, and Isild Le Besco is remarkable in her intuitive performance of the young Emilie who turns to Sade in her time of fear.

The DVD by Wellspring is top of the line. The widescreen(2.35:1 aspect ratio) picture is gorgeuos. The colors are vibrant.The sourround sound is excellent. You have the choice of DD5.1 or 2.0. You can also choose to have the English subtitles on or off. The subtitles are clear and well placed. Features include an insightful interview with director Jacquot, and filmographies.

A fabulous piece of French cinema, but it may not be for everybody. The guillotine scenes may be disturbing to some, and of course with the main subject being the Marquis de Sade, there are some scenes that are quite erotic.(if this were an American film it may fall into the NC-17 rating).

If you are a fan of Auteuil, French films, or just fine filmmaking, have a look at "Sade".

Merci and...enjoy...Laurie