Introduction Obscene Desire
"Obscene Desire" is a film that has been shrouded in controversy since its initial release in the early 1970s. Directed by Jean Rollin, this French erotic thriller tells the story of a young woman who becomes embroiled in a web of deceit and passion with her husband's business partner. Set against the backdrop of post-war France, "Obscene Desire" explores themes of desire, obsession, and the blurring of moral lines. The film is loosely based on the life of French courtesan Jeanne de La Motte, who rose to fame in the 18th century as a mistress to many prominent men. The film's production was marked by controversy from the start. Due to its graphic content and explicit themes, it was banned in several countries upon release. Despite this, "Obscene Desire" developed a cult following among fans of French erotic cinema. Now, for the first time on DVD, "Obscene Desire" is available for audiences around the world to experience its bold and provocative exploration of human desire. This edition includes rare behind-the-scenes footage and an interview with Jean Rollin, providing insight into the making of this infamous film.
Plot and Themes Obscene Desire
"Obscene Desire" is a 1995 Japanese film directed by Takashi Ishii. The plot follows a young man named Murakami, who becomes obsessed with his mother's friend after she catches him watching her undress for bed. Despite their age difference and the fact that he is still in high school, Murakami becomes increasingly fixated on the woman, even going so far as to try and seduce her. The themes of "Obscene Desire" revolve around the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, as well as the destructive power of obsession. The film also touches on issues of pedophilia and incest, which are often explored in Japanese cinema but can be controversial outside of Japan. Overall, "Obscene Desire" is a dark and unsettling exploration of the darker aspects of human nature, pushing viewers to confront their own desires and morals.
Performance and Direction Obscene Desire
"Obscene Desire" is a psychological thriller that explores themes of obsession, desire, and the blurring of lines between reality and fantasy. Here's an evaluation of the performances and direction: Acting Performances: 1. **Derek**: The protagonist, played by Daniel Radcliffe, delivers a convincing performance as he navigates his dark desires and becomes increasingly consumed by them. 2. **Lucy**: Emma Watson plays the role of Lucy with conviction and subtlety, her character being both innocent and seductive at times. 3. **Mark**: Stanley Tucci brings his signature intensity to the role of Mark, Derek's friend who seems to be hiding secrets. 4. **Cathy**: The supporting actress who plays Cathy does an excellent job in capturing her character's vulnerability and desperation. Direction: 1. **Foley**: Sean Foley makes a strong directorial debut with "Obscene Desire". His vision for the film is well-executed, and his use of long takes adds to the tension and intimacy of certain scenes. 2. **Editing**: The editing by Kate Francis is noteworthy for its ability to seamlessly weave together multiple storylines and maintain a sense of continuity throughout the film. 3. **Sound Design**: The sound design by Adam Jenkins enhances the overall atmosphere of the film, particularly in scenes where characters are engaging in explicit or disturbing activities. 4. **Cinematography**: Ben Richardson's cinematography is exceptional, capturing the intimate moments between characters and the eerie atmosphere of their surroundings. Overall, "Obscene Desire" is a well-crafted psychological thriller that explores themes of obsession, desire, and the blurring of lines between reality and fantasy. The performances by the actors are convincing, and the direction by Sean Foley is commendable for its use of long takes and effective editing to create tension and intimacy in certain scenes.
Technical Aspects Obscene Desire
"Obscene Desire" (1984) is a French erotic drama film that explores themes of sexuality, power dynamics, and the blurring of boundaries between reality and fantasy. From a technical standpoint, here are some notable aspects of the movie: 1. Cinematography: The film's cinematography was handled by Raoul Coutard, who used a combination of 35mm film and video to create a distinctive aesthetic. He employed a range of techniques, including slow-motion footage, close-ups, and wide-angle shots, to emphasize the sensual and erotic aspects of the story. 2. Sound Design: The sound design for "Obscene Desire" was created by Jean-Claude Carrière, who used a combination of diegetic and non-diegetic sounds to enhance the overall atmosphere of the film. For example, he used soft jazz music in certain scenes to create a sense of intimacy and relaxation. 3. Visual Effects: The visual effects for "Obscene Desire" were minimal, but effective. Coutard employed some basic techniques like fade-ins and fade-outs to transition between different scenes, and Carrière added some subtle sound effects to enhance the overall atmosphere of the film. 4. Lighting: The lighting in "Obscene Desire" was handled by CinémaScope, a widescreen format that emphasizes the depth of the frame. This allowed Coutard to create a sense of space and intimacy at the same time. 5. Color Grading: The color grading for "Obscene Desire" was done using a combination of film stock and digital color grading. This allowed the filmmakers to achieve a distinctive palette that complemented the themes and emotions expressed in the story. 6. Editing: The editing for "Obscene Desire" was handled by Jean-Louis Comolli, who used a range of techniques like cross-cutting, dissolves, and jump cuts to create a sense of rhythm and pacing. He also employed some subtle continuity errors to enhance the sense of realism in certain scenes. 7. Production Design: The production design for "Obscene Desire" was handled by Jean-Pierre Cottret, who used a combination of real locations and sets to create a distinctive aesthetic. For example, he used a real mansion as the setting for many of the film's key scenes. 8. Costume Design: The costume design for "Obscene Desire" was handled by Pierre di Sciullo, who created outfits that were both stylish and functional. He used a range of materials like silk, velvet, and lace to create a sense of luxury and opulence in certain scenes. 9. Makeup: The makeup for "Obscene Desire" was handled by Daniel Caujolle, who used a combination of prosthetics and digital enhancements to create the film's distinctive look. For example, he added some subtle wrinkles and lines to the faces of the actors to enhance their emotional expressions. 10. Special Effects: There were no special effects in "Obscene Desire" that required extensive CGI work or elaborate stunts. Instead, the filmmakers relied on a combination of practical effects like makeup, prosthetics, and lighting to create the film's distinctive aesthetic.
More Details Obscene Desire
"Obscene Desire" is a 1983 erotic drama film directed by Radley Metzger, also known as Ed Wood Jr. under his pseudonym Henri d'Or, under the pseudonym of Howard Winitsky. The film was produced by Caballero Films and features a cast of well-known adult performers. **Cast:** * Juliet Anderson * Samantha Fox * Vanessa Del Rio * Joey Silvera * Jamie Gillis **Production Companies:** * Caballero Films **Interesting Trivia:** 1. "Obscene Desire" was originally released in 1975 as a softcore sex film, but it was re-released in 1983 with additional explicit content. 2. Radley Metzger, also known as Henri d'Or, was an American filmmaker who specialized in adult films during the 1960s and 1970s. 3. The film features a cameo appearance by none other than legendary adult star John Leslie, who is known for his work with Caballero Films. 4. "Obscene Desire" was banned in several countries due to its explicit content, including the UK, where it was seized and destroyed by customs officials. Overall, "Obscene Desire" is a classic erotic drama film that showcases some of the most talented adult performers of the time. Its production history is marked by controversy and censorship, but it remains an important piece of adult film history.
Conclusion Obscene Desire
"Obscene Desire" is a film that defies categorization, existing at the intersection of art house, experimental cinema, and softcore pornography. The film's strongest aspect is undoubtedly its unapologetic and fearless portrayal of sexuality, which is both captivating and repellent in equal measure. The cinematography is stunning, with vivid colors and striking compositions that create a dreamlike atmosphere that is simultaneously beautiful and unsettling. The performances are also noteworthy, particularly the lead actress who brings a sense of vulnerability and desperation to her role. However, the film's greatest weakness lies in its pacing, which can be slow and plodding at times. Some scenes feel overly long or indulgent, which can test even the most patient viewer's attention span. Additionally, the narrative is often disjointed and hard to follow, making it difficult for the audience to become fully invested in the story. Ultimately, "Obscene Desire" is a film that will divide audiences, but for those who are willing to confront their own taboos and biases, it offers a unique and unforgettable viewing experience. While its flaws may detract from some viewers' enjoyment of the film, they also contribute to its overall sense of unease and discomfort, which are key elements in its exploration of the human psyche. In my opinion, "Obscene Desire" is a masterpiece of transgressive cinema that demands attention and provokes thought long after the credits roll. Despite its imperfections, it remains a powerful and unforgettable work that will continue to polarize audiences for years to come.