Venus in Fur (2013)
Despite having never read the original book i've enjoyed the two adaptations i've watched. Both from 1969 and directed by Jess Franco and Massimo Dallamano respectfully. So it was with great enthusiasm that i bought this new version from the acclaimed Roman Polanski.
This version is unlike any of the others. Based on a 2010 play by David Ives and featuring just two actors in Mathieu Amalric and Emmanuelle Seigner, whilst set on a single theatre stage.
It's the end of the day and tired director Amalric hasn't found anyone remotely near his idea of Wanda the lead character of the book. As he's about to leave a self confidant older woman enters the theatre and demands an audition.
From here on the film is an acting tour-de-force. Utilizing all the books elements of perversion, passion and a fearless battle of the sexes, the film becomes an audacious and thought provoking masterpiece. Amalric moves from tired and listless to almost sexually obsessed and Seigner, who is quite astonishing transforms into an alluring, seductive and arousing dominatrix who had me captivated such was her powerful eroticism. If she'd looked into the camera and said 'You at home, on your knees you c**t!' i would have done, such was the power in her performance.
Polanski moves the viewer with consummate ease into a world slightly left of reality as Seigner's audition takes on the lurid role of Venus, blurring the screenplay with reality and fiction thanks to terrific performances and a tantalizing script. The film is beautifully lit, the two actors manipulating the stage lights as scenes come and go. To say i was gripped by the whole thing is an understatement. It had been on a good forty minutes before i moved in my seat i was so gripped as the drama (and humour) unfolded before me.
Absolutely brilliant and perfect for a late night viewing.
|