Ìý Every possible opportunity is offered by the plot-line to plunge this film into a sordid, cheap affair. But Luis Buñuel creates an eminently classy film that is a splendid piece of escapism for the viewer. Central to this is Catherine Deneuve who oozes such sophisticated sexuality that one becomes utterly immersed in her potentially dangerous adventure.
Despite having been married to her husband for over a year she has never slept with him. Her days are filled with nothing but lunch appointments, giving her plenty of time to fantasise about imaginary and humiliating liaisons, usually in the forest. After a conversation with a friend she becomes fascinated by the idea of brothels, the strangers that visit them and the utterly submissive role that she would play were she to be there. Plucking up her courage she goes to work in one but can only do afternoons, hence her new name: "Belle de Jour".
Her encounters with men become ever more titillating, with whips and coffins all in a day's work. Not surprisingly one of her clients becomes infatuated with her and therein lies an incredible twist to the story with Deneuve's world threatening to collapse around her. It is at this time, when you so badly want her to get away with her deception, that you realise what a spellbinding concoction is before you on the screen. Deneuve might well play the part of a deviant but it is Buñuel who gets the opportunity to delve deep into the audience's wildest fantasies.
"Belle de Jour" is one of a series of incredible World Cinema titles now available to buy on video for £12.99. The other films available are:
- "Alphaville"
- "Bob le Flambeur"
- "Buffet Froid"
- "Diva"
- "La Bette Humaine"
- "La Grande Illusion"
- "The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie"
- "Ran"
- "Senso"
- "Themroc"
- "Tristana"
- "Une Femme Est Une Femme"
