Belle De Jour: Exploring Power and Fantasy

Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(8.5/10)

Belle de Jour (1967) is a classic that delves into the hidden desires of its protagonist, Séverine, and her exploration of submission and fantasy. Directed by Luis Buñuel, this film examines the complexities of power, control, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, a captivating narrative for anyone interested in the psychology behind domination and submission.

Plot Summary

The film centres on Séverine, a seemingly conventional housewife married to a devoted doctor. Beneath her composed and reserved exterior, however, lies a secret longing for submission and humiliation. She begins to explore these desires by working in a brothel during the day, earning the name “Belle de Jour” or, “Beauty of the Day.” As Séverine ventures deeper into her fantasies, she struggles with challenges that blur the lines between control and surrender, desire and duty, and reality and fantasy.

Themes

At its core, Belle de Jour explores the dynamics of power and control. Séverine’s desire for submission and her participation in seemingly degrading situations reveal a deeper psychological need for control through surrender. The film’s portrayal of her fantasies aligns with elements familiar in the BDSM community, such as role-playing, consent, and consensual non-consent. Notably, her husband often assumes the role of an orchestrator rather than an active participant, reflecting the emotional distance she maintains in her real life.

Memorable Scenes

One of the most striking scenes occurs when Séverine has her first submissive encounter at the brothel. Her vulnerability is met with a calculated form of dominance, marking a turning point in her exploration of her desires. Buñuel’s direction masterfully blends eroticism with discomfort, creating a moment that is both charged and unsettling without ever becoming overtly sexual or gratuitous.

Another memorable moment is the almost comedic role-play involving the submissive gynaecologist. This is Belle’s first encounter with a submissive client, a sharp contrast to the more dominant alpha male figures she’s used to, whether real or imagined. While initially disgusted, she finds herself unable to look away from the peephole as another girl leads the session, further exposing her complex fascination with the dynamics of power and submission.

Belle’s desire for humiliation is a recurring theme, intricately woven throughout the film. It’s not just physical but deeply emotional, with scenes that evoke shame, anxiety, and fear. These moments transform the film into a psychological exploration of human behaviour, as well as focusing on the nuanced interaction between surrender and control.

Performance and Direction

Catherine Deneuve delivers an unforgettable performance as Séverine, portraying both innocence and longing with an enigmatic grace. Buñuel’s direction complements her performance with dreamlike sequences that create the tension between her outer life and inner desires. His subtle use of symbolism, such as the recurring bell or meowing cats Séverine hears reinforces the theme of control.

Cinematic Style and Symbolism

Buñuel’s use of surreal imagery amplifies the dreamlike quality of Séverine’s fantasies, keeping the audience in a state of ambiguity, unsure of what’s real and what’s imagined. The recurring sound of bells symbolizes her desire to be controlled, subtly reinforcing the power dynamics that govern her life. Much like ‘Pavlov’s Dogs,’ (though in this case, ‘Belle’s Cats’), these sounds serve as a trigger, guiding her deeper into her journey toward sub-space.

Critique

While Belle de Jour remains a fascinating exploration of fantasy and submission, some of its portrayals of consent and female sexuality might feel outdated to contemporary viewers. Certain scenes raise questions about the ethical treatment of Séverine’s desires, especially within the framework of BDSM.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Catherine Deneuve’s magnetic performance.
• Surreal visuals that explore fantasy and reality.
• Provocative themes of power and control.
• A real touching and in-depth understanding of the human psyche.

Cons:

• Some outdated portrayals of female desire.
• Slow pacing at certain points.

Memorable Quotes

“I could never love a woman who wasn’t submissive.”

Henri Husson

Rating

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8.5/10)

Belle de Jour remains a captivating, albeit challenging, exploration of desire, submission, fantasy, and power. Its artistry and psychological depth are wonderful and still resonate today, though some elements might benefit from a modern perspective; otherwise, it would have earned a 9 out of 10 stars.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Belle de Jour is a masterful film that delves into the complexities of submission and power. Its psychological depth and captivating performance by Catherine Deneuve make it a must-watch for anyone interested in the subtleties of desire and control. Though dated in some respects, the film’s exploration of inner fantasies and their consequences remains both thought-provoking and timeless.

Related Films or Recommendations

If you enjoyed Belle de Jour, you might also like The Duke of Burgundy, Blue Velvet, or The Piano Teacher, films that similarly explore the boundaries of power, submission, and desire.