La femme défendue (1997)

This movie is foremost distinguished by the use of a subjective camera, and nearly 100 % of the time consists of close-up of the young girl's face. She is capable of changing her facial ... See full summary »

Director:

Philippe Harel

Writers:

Eric Assous, Philippe Harel

Stars:

Isabelle Carré, Philippe Harel, Nathalie Conio

2 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Isabelle Carré	...	Elle (Muriel)
Philippe Harel	...	Moi (François)
Nathalie Conio	...	Ma secrétaire
Sophie Niedergang	...	Ma femme
Julien Niedergang	...	Mon fils
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Agnès Akopian
Luc Bataini
Marie-Aline Campet
Dominique Chevalier
Roland Courtoisier
Christine Davenier
Jean Deguara
Henri Desouche
Sacha Gaubert
Robert Gendreu

Storyline

This movie is foremost distinguished by the use of a subjective camera, and nearly 100 % of the time consists of close-up of the young girl's face. She is capable of changing her facial mimic so much that she never looks artificial or inappropriate. 39-year-old François meets 22-year-old Muriel, who is a virgin. Several times he invites her to fine restaurants. She agrees that on a certain day they will meet at a hotel and he will see her naked. He promises not to sleep with her at that occasion. He does not keep his promise. She is happy that he didn't. Both continue to be eager for sex. While waiting for the first dish on a luxury restaurant she goes to the men's room and dresses starch naked, while he follows after a few minutes. However, she eventually gets a young boyfriend. She tells him everything. He calls François's wife, who immediately demands a divorce. When François and Muriel meet accidentally in the street, it becomes clear that she feels neither any intent to harm him,...

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Plot Keywords:

subjective camera | sex | virgin | divorce | voyeur | 

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Details

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

24 September 1997 (France)

Also Known As:

The Banned Woman

Company Credits

Production Co:

Les Productions Lazennec, Les Films du Trésor, Lazennec Bretagne

Technical Specs

Runtime:

100 min

Color:

Color

User Reviews

an unusual cinematography allows an intense identification

The film is unique in the way it puts the viewer in the middle of an immoral action. Seeing the extremely cute Muriel being seduced by a person who is somehow yourself is certainly a masculine sexual phantasy. I enjoyed very much letting my alter ego do the seduction work while being able to relax in my armchair and watch Muriel melting away. And in the end, I was quite happy to be able to leave that alter ego behind. What a nice ability - never to be found in the real world. Original idea and very good acting!