Les femmes

Believe it or not, the only attractive parts of this movie are its credits. Shown in the very beginning and at the very end. Reason: they show Brigitte Bardot's lovely moving mouth, setting off its usual sparks. In between 'Les Femmes' is flat and uninspiring. Even Bardot's brief nude appearance does not change that.

This is my first comment, and I am writing this review out of frustration reading such low ratings for this film by Jean Aurel. I have seen this film many times..., BB is so beautiful, but this is only the premium, the surplus value. Now, why this a good film ?... because the subject is well treated, with finesse. The main character, the writer, with his voice sometimes in off, sometimes dictating to his secretary (BB) explains his visions on women, relationships, broken relationships, freedom, writing, confusion, free love, man-woman behavior, marriage, man poetry with love and feelings, etc. Jean Aurel knows how to go deeper but stay human, fragile; and allow us to enjoy very good scenes, (it comes to mind, his girlfriend posing for pictures with this perfect wild jazz drumming. Superbe). No dull performances or out context. By the way, "Il a y deux femmes en vous"... It works all the time. I wonder if this film inspired L'homme qui aimait les femmes" by F. Truffaut. It seems to me Truffaut is paying tribute to Jean Aurel's great film. 8/10

This film maintains interest because of it's duality of purpose and accomplishment. It is, at once, a witty "battle of the sexes" repartee vehicle, while making it's essential points via humor, instead of using more direct means. It does this while portraying the film's protagonist as a shallow, womanizing predator, thus many female viewers, recognizing the type, will resent this film.

But, throughout the film, the male anti-hero is disarmingly honest as to his superficiality, and his lack of commitment intentions with his many female "love interests," which, of course, poses a distinct challenge to them all, and makes him all the more desirable and successful in his dalliances.

Bardot, nearing 35 when this film was made, is nevertheless coquettish and cute, and no pushover for the man's sexual aggressiveness, giving her an independent ambiance and a social maturity aspect not readily found in her earlier films.

Wonderfully sensual and intellectually deep in her on-again, off-again role as Maurice Ronet's primary non-Bardot love interest in the film, is Kristina Holm, in her solitary film credit I can find listed. Anney Duperey is saddled with a self-conscious "virginal mentality" role, which does neither her nor the film any positive service. This is a waste of a beautiful young woman's considerable talent and charm.

The film has a nice balance of interior shots, as well as urban and countryside locations. I find it's innate charm, light-hearted buoyancy, and nicely-edited, agreeably-paced style perfect for an evening's entertainment.

I love Brigitte Bardot, but out of the handful of films I've seen of hers, this one bored me to death. She is the only redeeming feature of it, of course. It was dull, had an uninspired script, and really didn't go anywhere. Bardot isn't really given much to do either, as a secretary named Clara. I'm not familiar with Maurice Ronet but I can say that I really didn't care too much for his character in the film. I actually liked "Don Juan: or if Don Juan were a woman", which is simliar to this film in a few ways, a lot better - even though that one is still pretty corny. And what a coincidence, that film also features Maurice Ronet. Anyway, I'm getting off topic. Basically, "Les Femmes" is good for Bardot fans or insomniacs. Bardot looks adorable, strutting through the streets of Rome, her blonde hair wild and free. Her character is pretty ditzy - she says random things like, "Oh, I love smoking in the dark, but I hate the taste of tobacco!" and "I just love the countryside! It's so big!" and so forth. If they were trying to put forth some sort of message through this movie, I didn't really get it. All I got was that Bardot looks very sexy taking a bath.

Not one of Ms. Bardot's better efforts, but it's certainly not her fault. She simply isn't in it enough. No offense to Maurice Ronet (a capable actor), but the script plods along with no purpose or flare. Ms. Bardot is enchanting as usual (near the end of her early retirement), but the main character/author is pretty worthless and common without being evil.

A 3 out of 10. Best performance = Brigitte. Some lovely ladies and nice location shots, but there's not much to recommend beside BB's appearance (interesting character with a better script). It just isn't interesting or insightful. Minor nudity.