Douce violence

In the spirit of the old-fashioned "square-up" reels of early exploitation films, most of the sexy exposés of the early 60s, from Fellini to HG Lewis, presented -- at least superficially -- a morally critical, jaundiced view of the decadence they so willingly displayed. However, the doom-laden view of the wanton lifestyle in Sweet Ecstasy so overwhelmingly permeates the movie that it becomes little more than a depressing experience. Pecas never had the style or brashness of Benazeraf or Metzger, who dealt with similar themes. Elke Sommer, boosted as a Bardot clone, looks stunning and iconic, but completely lacks the charm and freebooting personality of her rival. And the big-band jazz music by Aznavour, with a few ditties by Halliday, now seem totally "square" next to the playful cocktail stylings of Chet Baker et al during the same period. Quite disappointing; the same team's Daniella by Night holds up a lot better thanks to its kitschiness.

Before cinematic vixen Elke Sommer made her big break in "A Shot in the Dark", she starred in several European exploitation flicks, including "Douce violence" (called "Sweet Ecstasy" in the United States). The plot centers on a young man getting lured into a group of good-bad people, of which Elke Sommer's character is a member. Naturally, she proceeds to seduce him. But, it does not end on a good note.

Of course, the actual plot takes a back seat to Elke Sommer's voluptuous figure. The whole movie could just be several shots of her body, and it wouldn't be much different. If you ask me, over the years, Elke Sommer hasn't gotten the credit that she deserves. Meow, meow...

This movie essentially begins with a young man named "Olivier" (Christian Pezey) who is looking for the meaning of life in general. He is also quite lonely and as luck would have it he meets a young woman named "Barbara" (Vittoria Prada) who then takes him to a place where she subsequently introduces him to some acquaintances. These people, as it turns out, are led by a young man named "Maddy" (Pierre Brice) and are pursuing a Bohemian lifestyle which includes dancing, drinking and "free love". Of particular interest to Olivier is a beautiful blonde named "Elke" (Elke Sommer) who happens to love Maddy and is more than willing to use Olivier to make him jealous. Yet, although Olivier is sexually attracted to Elke, deep down he realizes how shallow she is and prefers something a bit more substantial. But like a moth to a flame he finds it difficult to resist Elke's sexual flirtations even though he knows that it probably won't end well. Now rather than reveal any more I will just say that the best feature of this film was the presence of Elke Sommer who was absolutely gorgeous. Unfortunately, the general plot was rather slow and plodding to the extent that it remained rather dull overall. Because of that I have rated this movie accordingly. Slightly below average.

If this film was remade today, it would feature Paris and Nicole and other trust fund babies who spend their time in the clubs of LA.

As it is, it is European dilitantes we see with the young Elke Sommer. And, oh, does she look good with the wind blowing her golden blonde tresses in her tiny bikini. Only seven years old at the time, the bikini was made for Elke. Unfortunately, when your sure it came off, we get to see the coastline, instead of Elke.

Olivier (Christian Pezey) managed to get the top off, but chickened out with noble intentions before we got a peek.

But, the dallying changed to darkness as one member was chosen as a scape goat for a tragedy. One thought there might be something between Elke and Olivier, but neither could cross the bridge, and they ended up as expected.

One still bemoans the fact that these trust fund babies were not born in the current era when panties are left at home.

This French film must have seemed very steamy back in the early 1960s, though today it seems very tame and rather silly. In fact, while it seems like a sex film (and is, at times rather sexy), it is all tease and no please. This, combined with the silliness of the acting and characters make it, at best, an odd curio about another time and another place. I noticed that one viewer gave it a 10--mostly because the star, Elke Sommer, scorched up the screen. Well, scorching or not, this wasn't nearly enough for me to recommend you watch it. In other words, the film's deficits clearly outweigh its strengths.

The film is set in post-war Europe. A small group of selfish young hedonists live to have fun--regardless of the consequences. They drink, party, make love (though you never see anything) and party some more. One day, while quite bored, the male ringleader of this group of jerks comes up with a plan--he wants his girlfriend (Elke) to seduce an uptight rich guy and bring him over to their way of life. The results are predictable and much like a late 50s-early 60s exploitation fare. Nothing particularly enjoyable about the film unless you want to watch it with friends and laugh at it.