Disappointed. i saw the film Sleeping Beauty last night. Controversial new Australian film by film novice, the novelist Julia Leigh that went all the way to Cannes. Great idea. Brave idea. A pretty Botticellian beauty is paid by a top escort agency to let lonely old men do things to her while she is drugged into a deep sleep. It got mixed reviews. People said it was largely because of the subject matter which is too confronting for many. It hints of paedophelia and necrophilia, and rape.
Being an eroticist I thought I’d love it but surprisingly I too was disappointed. I didn’t find it erotic. In the hands of a French or European director I suspect it would have been more revealing of the characters involved. In the end it is always the psychological development of the players that makes the eroticism actually “erotic”. I didn’t care about the characters therefore I never engaged as opposed to the tantalisingly provocative classics like Story of O; The Night Porter; Romance; or Last Tango- all compelling by the depth of the contradictions and complexities of the human interactions. Andrew L Urban in the SMH had much the same thoughts.
What’s your favourite film? What films or videos have disappointed you recently?
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As you wrote earlier, I do not approve of censorship in any form. Movies are a form of artistic self expression. I not only told my daughter I would take my daughter were she interested so she could make her own mind up; and be stimulated challenged appalled inspired whatever the film evoked. Thanks for all your emails today, you sound like a very interesting – if somewhat contradictory – woman and I appeciate your divergent views, warm wishes Ruth
I have read a couple of reviews of ‘Sleeping Beauty’ and it strikes me as ‘same old, same old’. Always the ‘innocent’, vulnerable female who is taken and manipulated by men. This film struck me as a despicable form of voyuerism that people watching could get off on. I can’t see the point the director is making as it is so ‘old hat’ she is simply bowing to the prevailing sexist culture in Australia. What if she had done the same with a young man and women manipulating him as he slept? Surely this type of eroticism is verging on paedophilia? How did you explain your attendance at this film to your young duaghter Ruth? Or did you not tell her?
I already sent this maybe you did not recieve it, Good columns!!! love Lilian xx
Well Ruth,saw Water for Elephants last night after you recommendation and you are right ,it was a lovely,spectacular and romantic film, like in the “old days”. Hope you are feeling better,you know all your fans love you, Lilan xx
Hi Ruth
this is a bit late…saving little lambs that have been born tonight, 3 lots of twins…mothers were having difficulty with their labour. Anyway if i have to nominate my best all time film that had such an impact would be Ben Hur…for acting, storyline, passion, excitement and action. I guess there are so many that i could nominate but that seems to be top of mind awareness…maybe its a generational thing.
And for the best erotic movie, as i am not sure if you meant that, after reading your above blog… so i will try and nominate one just in case…ummm ok Basic instinct, nine and half weeks, wild things and agree Last tango in paris, Mullholland Drive…..I’ll go for Basic Instinct, Sharon Stone at her most sensual sexiest erotic best…What more can i say.
cheers
Tony
Comment here guys