"Only in excess can one find liberty." Oh, that's right--the Marquis de Sade wasn't just a freaky-deaky sex fiend, he was also a philosopher. And that's the side illuminated in Sade, a marvelously chewy look at an episode from the life of the indecent marquis. In 1794, after the Revolution, Robespierre has imprisoned Sade in a comfortable old nunnery, along with some royalists. Daniel Auteuil's superb performance in the title role brings a lifetime of scandalous living to Sade's face, and he makes the man utterly unapologetic. By the time Sade deflowers a fascinated young woman, the act is more a defiant political statement (for both of them) than a naughty roll in the hay. This is another good one from director Benoît Jacquot (A Single Girl, Seventh Heaven), whose work always manages to be calm but passionate. It certainly tops Quills, another look at the enigma of Sade. --Robert Horton
2.
Benoit Jacquot's SADE is a provocative historical drama set during the French Revolution starring Daniel Auteuil as the notorious Marquis de Sade. The film also stars the striking young actress Isild Le Besco (Girls Can't Swim) who was nominated for a 2002 French Cesar for Most Promising Newcomer.
1794. The Revolution has entered the bloodiest phase of the Terror, and the Marquis de Sade, despite his pro-revolutionary fervor, is once again in prison. The puritanical Robespierre - who is sending thousands to their deaths - sees this aristocrat-turned-agitator, libertine and atheist as "a highly immoral man" and "unworthy of society," so Sade knows his days may finally be numbered. Sade is soon moved to Picpus, a sanitarium where aristocrats can buy temporary respite from the guillotine. Sade's stay has been arranged by a loyal former mistress (Marianne Denicourt) who sleeps with Fournier (Gregoire Colin), a member of Robespierre's inner circle. Fournier despises Sade but pulls strings to increase the Marquis¹ odds of survival for the sake of the woman he loves.
1794. The Reign of Terror has entered its bloodiest phase. Deemed immoral and unworthy of society, the Marquis de Sade (Daniel Auteuil) faces execution by Robespierre's puritanical regime. But thanks to the devotion of his mistress, Marie-Constance Quesnet (Marianne Denicourt), the author finds temporary respite at Picpus, a sanitarium for aristocrats awaiting the guillotine. There, he focuses his attention on Emile (Islid Le Besco), a teenage virgin longing to experience sensual pleasure before her death. Despite the horror and dismay around them, Sade teaches the girl to let go of fear and give in to passion and desire.
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