France’s foremost provocatrice, Catherine Breillat continues to surprise as she pursues her career-long interest in the ramifications of female desire.
Breillat’s sumptuous adaptation of Jules Barbey d’Aurevilly’s Une Vieille Maîtresse may be set during the reign of Louis Philippe, but this dangerous liaison is recognisably modern.
The Last Mistress is a ferocious feminist revision incarnated by Spanish courtesan Vellini (Asia Argento). Argento gives an extraordinary performance in the title role as “a capricious flamenca who can outstare the sun.” In a range of outrageous costumes and coiffures, Vellini - supposedly old and ugly is visibly an incendiary.
This is Argento’s most flamboyant performance yet: her off-hand “Adios” to a discarded husband counts among the year’s unforgettable screen moments.
“A true star as well as a fine actress, Argento holds the screen with the force of her carnality.”
New York Film Festival
Dir. Catherine Breillat – 2007 - France/Italy - 104 mins - Cert 15 - Artificial Eye
