A Movie Review: The Last Mistress (2007)

Sex, sex, sex all very sensuously choreographed is what I think when I look back on The Last Mistress. Even so, among this there remains no doubt in my mind that The Last Mistress is one of the greatest films to have emerged out of the Sundance-run of films. All even more impressive is that this film is by a female director Catherine Breillat. 

The disorientating fashion that the film begins with sets a morally ambiguous tone. One has to wonder what all these sexual dalliances mean until later on we get the idea that for Ryno de Marigny is giving in to one last passionate sexual outburst with his lover La Vellini a Spanish courtesan. 

While this basically spells the end of their relationship somehow we get the feeling La Vellini (played by Asia Argento) will not give up on their relationship. And this is where the film gets interesting. We are set on a course to La Vellini's and Ryno de Marigny's first meeting and eventual love. What is funny here is that when Ryno de Marigny first meets La Vellini he outright sees her as ugly and unattractive but later pursues her nonetheless. 

Image Credit: tribute.ca

And as he gets to know her more through instances of aristocratic and high life during that period of time, he falls for her. It is in these moments that I have to point out, the almost slow-paced activities and mundane features portrayed by the actors and setting were exquisite. Cinematography is one of the highlights of the film and the acting even by actors that are not the leads is outstanding.

Image Credit: independentcinemaoffice.org.uk

While those who see The Last Mistress won't exactly be happy with the ending: the cinematography, acting skill level, and costumes of the film will be more than a delight. They will be scrumptious. It's such a beautiful film even as it is explicit.

Image Credit: worldfilm.about.com

Standout Performances: French actor Fu'ad Aït Aattou (who plays Ryno de Marigny).

Genre: Historical Period, Drama, Romance