Mistress

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Mistress

NC-17,

1975,

1h 52m,

Comedy/

Drama

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Watchlist

88%

8 Reviews

Tomatometer

72%

500+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

88%

Tomatometer

8 Reviews

72%

Popcornmeter

500+ Ratings

After breaking into a house he believes is empty, thief Olivier (Gérard Depardieu) is caught by the owner, Ariane (Bulle Ogier), who turns out to be a dominatrix. Improbably falling for her, Olivier returns periodically, and an impulsive romance blossoms despite Ariane's profession. Soon Olivier becomes more familiar with her work, even joining in on occasion. However, when he discovers that Ariane has a son, he attempts to "fix" her, hoping to give her a better life.

Danielle Spencer

Los Angeles Free Press

Oct 28, 2019

Director Barbet Schroeder does not impose a point of view on his audience. He does not condemn, nor does he promote. He presents. It is a phenomenal feat of skill and sensitivity.

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Fernando Trueba

El Pais (Spain)

Jul 31, 2019

An elegant exercise of twisted intelligence and perverse moralism. [Full Review in Spanish]

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

May 14, 2019

B+

It was a shocker when first released and was banned in several counties.

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Cole Smithey

ColeSmithey.com

Nov 24, 2017

A-

Released in 1976, Schroeder's exploration of a behind-the-scenes life of a professional dominatrix features one of Gerard Depardieu's debut film performances.

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Fernando F. Croce

CinePassion

Oct 8, 2009

Schroeder's comedy is as wry and dapper as Buuel's

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Aug 1, 2005

5/5

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Harry L

May 15, 2017

Rather strange/shocking French film directed by Barbet Schroeder from the mid Seventies. Why did I end up watching. I have absolutely no idea! It certainly made a change from normal Monday night television viewing. It stars Gerard Depardieu as a young 'normal' Frenchman called Olivier who falls in love with a dominatrix. The Maitresse or mistress of the film's title Ariane (Bulle Ogier). What follows is not only a journey of companionship for Olivier but a look into the heady profession of a French dominatrix. The subtitles are only a minor distraction amongst the Fifty Shades Of Grey style room of pain lifestyle of Ariane. Does Ariane need her rather unconventional lifestyle after she finds love with Olivier? The film attempts successfully to answer that question over its 108 minute or so running time of French cinema at its mid seventies best. The film was originally granted an X certificate for its obscenity in the 1970s. Why did I watch this?

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Barbet Schroeder

Director

Gérard Depardieu

Olivier

Bulle Ogier

Ariane

Andre Rouyer

Mario

Nathalie Keryan

Lucienne

Tony Taffin

Emile

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Synopsis

After breaking into a house he believes is empty, thief Olivier (Gérard Depardieu) is caught by the owner, Ariane (Bulle Ogier), who turns out to be a dominatrix. Improbably falling for her, Olivier returns periodically, and an impulsive romance blossoms despite Ariane's profession. Soon Olivier becomes more familiar with her work, even joining in on occasion. However, when he discovers that Ariane has a son, he attempts to "fix" her, hoping to give her a better life.

Director: Barbet Schroeder
Producer: Pierre Andrieux
Screenwriter: Barbet Schroeder, Paul Voujargol
Production Co: Gaumont, Les Films du Losange
Rating: NC-17
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: Canadian French
Release Date (DVD): Feb 3, 2004
Runtime: 1h 52m

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