The Last Mistress and Chris & Don: A Love Story
Catherine Breillat's The Last Mistress is not a great film but it is an intriguing one. Set in the 1800s it is a saucy love triangle. Ryno (Fu'ad Air Aattou) is in love with his fiance Hermangarde (Roxane Mesquida). He doesn't have much money but she does so the match is to his advantage - she is crazy about him. But there is just one problem. Ryno has had a ten year relationship with Vellini (Asia Argento) who is considered an easy woman. Will he totally break off with Vellini after he gets married? You will have to see the film to find out.
The film captures the colors and mood of the times. There are some explicit sex scenes which are very much welcome given that many US productions seem to be afraid of sex (but certainly not violence). Argento gives a good performance as did the rest of the cast (which included the wonderful Michael Lonsdale). I liked the film but I had to wonder what did these two women see in the Ryno. That is my question. If anyone has the answer please let me know.
Chris and Don: A Love Story is the very moving story of Christopher Isherwood and Son Bachardy. The film is directed by Tina Mascara and Guido Santi. Despite the fact that Chris was 30 years older than Don their relationship lasted for over 30 years. They were an "out" couple way before it was safe or fashionable.
I liked the way the film throws in so many fascinating details about the two men as well as some of the people in their lives. It was interesting (but not surprising) that they would be in a room with many men whom they slept with who were with their wives. But even in this "enlightened age" things haven't changed.
We see how Chris influenced Don. But at some point Don comes into his own. There are a number of interviews with different people - including Liza Minelli and Leslie Caron. Chris was a writer (Caberet) and Don is a portrait artist. Well, I won't get into more details about their lives because I think that you should see this film. But Chris is no longer here and Don has his memories which he holds very dear.
In the end, this film proves that real, true love can overcome any obstacle and last for a long, long time.
Just a note: I just watched the original 3:10 to Yuma starring Van Heflin and Glen Ford on TCM. It was a good film and so was last year's remake. I'm glad I got the chance to finally see the original.
The film captures the colors and mood of the times. There are some explicit sex scenes which are very much welcome given that many US productions seem to be afraid of sex (but certainly not violence). Argento gives a good performance as did the rest of the cast (which included the wonderful Michael Lonsdale). I liked the film but I had to wonder what did these two women see in the Ryno. That is my question. If anyone has the answer please let me know.
Chris and Don: A Love Story is the very moving story of Christopher Isherwood and Son Bachardy. The film is directed by Tina Mascara and Guido Santi. Despite the fact that Chris was 30 years older than Don their relationship lasted for over 30 years. They were an "out" couple way before it was safe or fashionable.
I liked the way the film throws in so many fascinating details about the two men as well as some of the people in their lives. It was interesting (but not surprising) that they would be in a room with many men whom they slept with who were with their wives. But even in this "enlightened age" things haven't changed.
We see how Chris influenced Don. But at some point Don comes into his own. There are a number of interviews with different people - including Liza Minelli and Leslie Caron. Chris was a writer (Caberet) and Don is a portrait artist. Well, I won't get into more details about their lives because I think that you should see this film. But Chris is no longer here and Don has his memories which he holds very dear.
In the end, this film proves that real, true love can overcome any obstacle and last for a long, long time.
Just a note: I just watched the original 3:10 to Yuma starring Van Heflin and Glen Ford on TCM. It was a good film and so was last year's remake. I'm glad I got the chance to finally see the original.
posted by Film Fanatic | 8:20 PM
1 Comments:
I guess with La Vellini its chemistry and with Hermangarde its Ryno's astonishing, breath-taking good looks coupled with his extensive experience as a lover (ie she feels gratified by his expert attentions, even before marriage).
There are various comments throughout the film from both Ryno and La Vellini about their relationship amounting to it being an addiction, no love left but still "pull". Ryno tellingly says to the bride's grandmother "I HAD TO submit". One of those relationships - want out but can't quite ?
In the film, at the waterfront & at "the beach house", he pulls back and pushes away several times. Finally, he is completely passive & resigned; almost dead. His devastation after the doctor leaves his wife: all these things = I think he genuinely did love his wife and really wanted to be faithful to her.
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