This film was obviously a labor of love... it's perceptible in every frame. I'm surprised it's not better known, because it works in every way. Truly Jeannine Deckers was a woman ahead of her time, even if that world wasn't ready for her. A gay icon, avant-la-lettre. And people ahead of their time sometimes must go through hell, and Jeannine did.
Exquisitely, stylishly photographed, elegantly and suavely edited, and superbly acted and directed, this will be a must-see for those immersed in Catholic theology, women's studies, sexual politics, those immersed in GLBT issues and history, 1960's history, and those who simply loved her 1962 hit, "Dominique" (even though her record was presented maniacally, as a source of bizarrerie in the recent episodes of American HORROR STORY, perhaps unfortunately.) The period details are stunningly accurate throughout... Belgium in the 1960's is flawlessly rendered... every prop, fabric, automobile and hairstyle is note-perfect.
The character obviously representing Ed Sullivan has been given a similar-sounding pseudonym in this film, almost surely because of permission rights in using his name. But anyone with any wit at all recognizes him and his TV show.
This is a film of great subtlety and emotion, and the tour-de-force performance given by the lovely and amazing Cécile de France is stunning. In fact, I feel slightly in love with her after seeing this.
Highly recommended. It is my hope that many GLBT folks worldwide will watch this, especially my sapphic sisters, even if they are less-than-comfortable with watching a foreign film with subtitles. See this! A magnificent gem of a film.
