Madame Claude

Madame Claude (2021), dir. Sylvie Verheyde. I am not sure why this Netflix film has such a low rating at imdb. I found it to be, if not especially original, at least a plausible depiction of the world's oldest profession. There are quite a few films about brothels and madames, and it's true that this one does not chart any new territory with regard to the profession itself. Nonetheless, I found the acting decent and liked that the film was based on a true story and followed the entire trajectory of the life of Madame Claude.

Fernande Grudet's life is a fascinating story but the film falls short of making it compelling. The main focus is on the requisites of the sex sex trade: how she manages her burgeoning business and the growing power and influence that go with it. It does little to dive into the interesting characters that inhabit her story.

Given the story's potential, one could imagine dramatic encounters with the police and her influential clients. But when such opportunities arise, the encounters happen mostly matter-of-factly except for that memorable meeting of Sidonie and her father in the restaurant where he got his comeuppance.

It's a different movie and not too much happens. It meanders along from start to finish with little change.

It's watchable, but it's not for everyone.

A subtle exploration of female relationships with an added dynamic of sex. Aesthetically and fashion wise it is absolutely beautiful and the acting is great. The narrative format of following someone from when they just joined the brothel at the height of its success to when it was ultimately shut down and Mme Claude put in prison was enthralling. I completely do not understand the negative reviews on here. I mean, someone says 'why did she go to America?' Bruh have you ever heard of trying to escape prison???? A very common thing for heads of criminal organisations to do!?! Personally, I don't understand why I'd never heard of this woman before especially given how tied up to the French gov it all was. Yet if it was a male head of a criminal organisation I probably would've heard of them....

Trying to think what the point of this film is. Is it purely biographical? Probably. Are there any cinematic values? Probably not. An environment of prostitution would lend itself to some character development. There is none. Okay, there may be some other redeeming features. An interesting storyline, some surprises and plot twists. Nope. Normal acting and direction, nothing superb. This film doesn't rise above mediocrity.