Belle de Jour (subtitles)

This is ostensibly a story about a recently married beautiful twenty-three year old blonde woman who refuses intimacy with her husband but chooses afternoon prostitution. There are several interesting things about this film but primarily its the way it is told. The story line progresses from this obvious problem to a crisis and a resolution of sorts. But the demarcation between current reality, flashback and fantasy becomes blurred during the process and by the time the film reaches its conclusion you question which is which. You realize that the camera (the director) has been an unreliable narrator.

Luis Buneul, the father of cinematic Surrealism, directed the film and participated in the screenplay, which is based on a novel by Joseph Kessel. Buneul, although trained by the Jesuits became obsessed with both religion and subversion. One famous Buneul quote was, Thank God, Im an atheist. Belle de Jour was one of his glossier, more expensive productions done late in his career.

Catherine Deneuve plays Severine, the protagonist and its her demeanor during the process that leaves you uncomfortable but with some inkling of what must have gone before in the characters life. Deneuve is considered one of the grandes dames of French cinema. She has appeared in more than 100 films since her first in 1957, but has never performed on stage because she has stage fright. She turns 60 this year and is still active in film and TV productions.

The supporting cast includes Jean Sorel as her husband, Pierre, Michel Piccoli as Henri, his friend who hits on her, Genevieve Page as Madame Anais and Pierre Clementi as Marcel, the bad guy.

This film made in 1967 is dated. Costumes, makeup, camera work and the treatment of sex scenes all remind me of 1950s American films. However the subject and the story telling is timeless.

Reviewed April 8, 2003