The Flesh of the Orchid

This is the first film directed by Patrice Chéreau. It's a movie of genre and atmosphere. A dark and creepy atmosphere, worthy of the darkest Noir movie. Rain and fog bathe the whole film, filled with strange and insane characters. Huge sinister houses add some claustrophobic tension. Some of the characters are not very credible and the scenario gets weaker toward the end of the picture. But the sepulchral atmosphere and the magnificent acting performances by Charlotte Rampling and Simone Signoret are worth the detour. The face-to face between the two women gives rise to very touching scenes. The photography is magnificient as well.