The Last Mistress (Une Vieille Maîtresse) Review

The Last Mistress (Une Vieille Maîtresse)
In the run-up to his marriage to a virtuous woman of the French aristocracy, a young dissolute man must first rid himself of a nasty Spanish lady.

by Rosamund Witcher |
Published on
Release Date:

25 Apr 2008

Running Time:

114 minutes

Certificate:

TBC

Original Title:

Last Mistress (Une Vieille Maîtresse), The

Controversial French director Catherine Breillat tackles costume drama with this adaptation of a 19th century classic, and can’t resist infusing it with gender issues and sex.

Ryno de Marigny (Aattou) is a pouting libertine set to marry a beautiful aristocrat (Mesquida). But first he must rid himself of terrifying Spanish vixen Vellini (Argento).

Sadly, despite the supposed passion, the film often feels stilted, not least since Aattou has the charisma of a shop mannequin.

If you want a good French period drama, watch Ridicule. If you want porn, watch porn. This will disappoint on both counts.

Neither a good French period drama nor effective pornography, this is a real disappointment.
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