BAISE-MOI, based on the controversial novel written by codirector Virginie Despentes, is a vivid and brutal reality-based exploration of two women's attempts to reclaim their sexual power. Real-life porn stars Raffaela Anderson and Karen Bach star as the film's THELMA AND LOUISE-style anti-heros. Manu (Raffaela Anderson), a .. Read more
| Starring | Raffaela Anderson, Karen Lancaume, Karen Bach |
|---|---|
| Director | Virginie Despentes, Coralie Trinh Thi, Virginie, Virginie Despentes |
| Run time | 74 mins |
| Genres | Drama, World Cinema |
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This angry, aggressive film explores female empowerment in terms of an equal right to revel in guilt-free sex and perform random acts of violence. It's a reasonable enough premise, particularly as Karen Bach and Raffaëla Anderson embark on their spree partly as a reaction to Anderson's rape. But while co-directors Virginie Despentes and Coralie Trinh Thi employ a rigorously grungy style to deglamorise the duo's brutal amorality (a tactic that is reinforced by the superficial characterisation of their victims), they also refuse to examine their motives, with the result that their actions become increasingly gratuitous and, therefore, less political or potent.
This film produced a storm of controversy when first released (excellently documented by the way in the DVD extras). Baise-Moi will almost certainly split the viewing public. It is a film you will either love or hate. Personally I loved the film for its gritty reality and the questions that it asked of me. Baise-Moi is a simple enough story. Two girls meeting unexpectedly and going on a murderous and lustful road trip. But Baise-Moi also has a certain innocence about it. This is surprising when you consider that there is graphic sex and violence in this film. However, the innocence comes from the way in which the film was made (on digital video). Essentially the film asks which is the real pornography? Sex or violence? Or perhaps it is a mixture of both. It also examines issues of gender and of the punk revolution that was taking place in France at the time. Of course some of the violence is pointless, but perhaps the point of it. Be warned the film is extremely graphic in its depiction of sex and anyone who is offended by actual penetration should steer clear of this film. But I do think they are important in context of the film. Actually the whole film is asking us if it is possible for a violent film to incite violence and consequently Baise-Moi is an important film in cinematic history
Power and femininity is easily abused. This movie is a sexy and violent journey and its target is anyone in the way. Banned in France, its defnatly dark and twisted. Some might say no worse than clockwork orange. All in all gripping and well made and worth a shot.