Explore a wide range of movies that capture the fears, follies, and joys of French women. From a classic manic pixie dream girl to an untold story of a serial killer and erotic dancer, these films have something for everyone.
Love in the Afternoon is a unique film that blends romance and social commentary. It delves into the complexities of romantic relationships and challenges the societal expectations associated with them.
My Sex Life (1990)
A reporter knee-deep in middle-aged oblivion finds her life upended by a remote-controlled sex toy. Despite her best efforts to run it past her co-worker George (Bert LaBonte), she’s soon lusting after the ‘Pusseidon’ robotic sheath that pairs with the ‘Hera’ dildo.
Director Ira Sachs earned an NC-17 rating from the MPA for this film, which showcases Franz Rogowski in a titillating performance as a movie producer. Its explicit sex scenes are a throwback to the 1990s when movies weren’t afraid to show skin. But the MPA’s reaction to gratuitous nudity and a general disinterest in intimate scenes have left our cinematic landscape pretty barren of moments of physical intimacy.
The Artist (1972)
A young man goes through puberty in a house full of women, impregnates them all, and devises plans to cuckold his relatives in this erotic classic.
It’s hard to know what kind of audience this movie was aimed at when it came out in 1972. It certainly didn’t appeal to the flower-power generation that embraced free love, liberated sex and drugs. It probably scared men and made them feel uncomfortable. They might have even felt a bit offended by the depiction of female rape. But it was well done.
The Sea Village (1972)
A group of teenagers spends their last days of summer vacation in a picturesque French sea village. As they walk along the beach and listen to psychedelic music, they tease and seduce each other with unrestrained sexual desires.
The film explores the dreams, desires, and aspirations of French women in a captivating storyline. It challenges societal expectations and encourages women to take control of their own lives.
Some people may see French movies as icy and detached, but they can also be surprisingly touching and emotionally complex. These films show a different side of French culture, delving into the complexities of love and sexuality.
The Last Temptation of Christ (1993)
Regardless of whether you’re Christian or not, you can’t deny the fact that Martin Scorsese’s controversial film has some important things to say about faith. Based on the 1955 novel by Nikos Kazantzakis, the film tackles issues of Jesus’ contrasting divine and human nature.
It also has a lot in common with New Wave protagonists who struggle with morality and identity, such as Harry Caul in Coppola’s The Conversation. It’s worth watching to experience this iconic piece of cinema.
The Wife (1995)
Glenn Close is a powerhouse in this tense and fascinating drama about the nature of love, betrayal, and loss. The movie is not as emotionally resonant as the novel but it is still a fascinating study of how people can lose touch with their feelings and become lost to their own lives.
Callie Khouri hasn’t written a better screenplay than this one in quite some time. She and Close make this brittle story about an ignored, pushed-aside wife worth the watch. It’s not an easy watch, but it is a rewarding one.
The Eternal Flame (2001)
It’s an open secret that most women fantasize about forbidden love affairs, secrets and hasty encounters. This French-Italian erotic coming of age film captures these dreams, adventures, recollections and desires in an unforgettable way. Hoffs’ narrator, who is never really offered any comfort, is left with questions about her eternal flame after the movie ends. It was awarded the Palme d’Or at Cannes but has received mixed responses from critics and audiences alike. It carries a 60% audience rating at Rotten Tomatoes. This movie is based on a novel by Mingozzi.
The Immigrants (2001)
Previously known as Les Exploits d’un jeune Don Juan, this French-Italian erotic coming-of-age tale follows a teenager who comes home for vacation and spends his time impregnating women in his family’s house full of beautiful women. A sensitive and understated film that deserves to be seen on the big screen.
This film is a reminder of America’s paradoxical history of dependence on and abuse of immigrant labor. It also speaks to the power of letting the story unfold before you rather than forcing it into a predetermined narrative frame.
La Vie en Rose (2001)
A breathtaking portrayal of the famous French singer and icon Edith Piaf from writer-director Olivier Dahan. From her early days as a streetwise urchin to the moment she dies at the age of 47, Marion Cotillard’s performance is truly astounding.
The movie’s only flaw is its lack of music; we only hear snippets of Piaf’s signature songs. Nevertheless, the overall feel of the film is a triumph. It’s a raw and intuitive exploration of a hard life and art. It’s also a film that shows the power of music.
The Diary of a Teenage Girl (2002)
There’s something so honest and accurate about Heller’s film. Even when drugs are involved (which they inevitably are, given Minnie’s story), it doesn’t feel sensational or exploitative.
Featuring a fantastic performance from Bel Powley, this film tackles themes of female desire and sexual liberation. It also explores the complexities of romantic relationships and challenges societal expectations. This is a must see for any movie lover.
