The Marquis
DeSade, now imprisoned in the Charenton Lunatic Asylum (circa 1813) is
recalling and writing about his sexual activities at an Italian brothel
in Venice when he was much younger. After a brief opening segment [of
DeSade gathering some inmates together to listen as he presents his new
writings], the story shifts to summertime Venice of 1772 where whores
are preparing for the arrival of the French nobleman. As the film continues,
DeSade and company engage in numerous philosophical discussions while
involving themselves in various sexual encounters.
Unlike
many other exploitative movies based on concepts of the Marquis DeSade
(Jess Franco's JUSTINE,
Jacques Scandelari's BEYOND
LOVE AND EVIL, et al), director Baillemont is more interested
in creating a sense of the Marquis' philosophical side [similar to PHILOSOPHY
IN THE BEDROOM or the bio-pic DESADE].
Lionel Baillemont is a distinguished French filmmaker who - in the tradition
of René Allio - has concentrated on 'non-spectacular' historical
cinema dealing with movies about Joan of Arc (Mademoiselle de la
Charce) and Gabriel Boule (The Untamed).
A French
film, with English subtitles; widescreen format, uncut 86 minutes,
DVD encoded for ALL REGION NTSC WORLD FORMAT. Extras include selected
trailers.
Nudity/Strong
Sexual Situations/Violence/Sexual Brutality
Recommended for Adult Audiences
