Flesh of the Orchid
Bluebell Films
R2 DVD
French
with English subtitles
This chilling
French thriller has been around for some time but has only now made its way
onto DVD via Bluebell Films (R2)
Claire
(Charlotte Rampling playing one of her first film roles) has been in a mental
home for years, ostensibly suffering incurable depression. She was kept there
as a result of the machinations of her aunt who now controls Claire’s
considerable fortune and is wasting it through mismanagement. She has managed
to run through her own money and is now living on Claire’s inheritance. Claire
manages to escape from a castle where
she was currently imprisoned and meets the aunt’s son, Louis, who is himself
being hunted by a pair of killers. They become lovers and both go on the run
together to escape from the killers and the aunt who will go to any length to
protect “her” money.
Claire is also
trying to find out more about her origins. Her mother is said to have committed
suicide after she was born and her father was shot after the war as a
collaborator. Her only help here is a woman, an ex-circus performer, who is to look after her when she is
recaptured. She takes sympathy on Claire and tells her what she knows of
Claire’s past. She then helps Claire to escape again.
In a final
showdown Claire finds she has some unexpected support but will it be enough to
cripple her aunt’s hold on her and her money? Can she stop the killers?
The film is a
dark drama in the best French style. Director Patrice Chereau gets the most out
of his cast and gives them a chance to show what they can do. Edwidge Feulliere
as the aunt is chilling and tough even before we find she is behind Claire’s
problems. Simone Signoret as the ex-circus performer who takes sympathy on
Claire is one of the few warm characters in the film. In spite of its age Flesh
of the Orchid is a fine film and well worthwhile if you love good drama.
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