The Duke of Burgandy: An odd but strangely beguiling film
IF YOU found Fifty Shades Of Grey too tame for your taste then you might prefer The Duke Of Burgundy, a witty, idiosyncratic portrait of a sadomasochistic lesbian relationship challenged by the yawning gap between fantasy and reality.
The Duke of Burgundy Official Trailer 1 (2015) - Drama Movie HD
Director Peter Strickland
Starring: Chiara D’Anna, Sidse Babett Knudsen
Cert 18; 104mins
Director Peter Strickland offers an affectionate, impeccably crafted salute to continental soft porn films of the 1970s crossed with something intense, theatrical and closely related to Jean Genet’s The Maids.
It is the work of a man with decidedly singular tastes. The tale begins as maid Evelyn (Chiara D’Anna) arrives at a vast mansion to begin her chores.
Mistress Cynthia (Sidse Babett Knudsen) is demanding. She finds fault with every aspect of Evelyn’s work and promises to punish her insubordination.
It transpires that the two women are lovers and this ritual is a regular part of their lives.
It is also clear that Evelyn is a much more enthusiastic player of these games than the world-weary Cynthia who you suspect would prefer a nice cup of tea and a cuddle.
The divergence of their desires threatens the whole relationship in a complex, melancholy romance.
An odd but strangely beguiling film.
