While 50 Shades of Grey might have brought sadomasochism to a wide audience in cinemas, the fact is that S&M relationships have been explored several times before in art house films. Peter Strickland’s 2014 film The Duke of Burgundy is an incredible exploration of a relationship that’s tied to bondage and punishment.
The film, which Shout Factory released in the U.S. on Blu-ray and DVD in September, stars Sidse Babett Knudsen as butterfly researcher Cynthia and Chiara D’Anna as her lover, Evelyn. Following a gloriously animated title sequence, we see Evelyn dressed as a maid, arriving at Cynthia’s impossibly large Victorian mansion. Evelyn is scolded for being late, but after she does her chores, it looks like Cynthia has the upper hand and wants to sadistically punish Evelyn.
But this is not the case. As Strickland expertly unfolds his story, we learn that this is all a fantasy and it’s a fantasy Cynthia isn’t quite as invested in as Evelyn is. Evelyn keeps pushing for more brutal punishments (even asking Cynthia to lock her in a trunk) and even starts showing up at Cynthia’s lectures.
The Duke Of Burgundy is a prime example of a film where the director is the star. With few lines of dialogue, Strickland uses his skills to remove each layer of the story without relying on narrations or inter-titles. The revelation of the truth of Cynthia and Evelyn’s relationship isn’t some big shocking moment for the audience. Strickland just decides to show more of what needs to be seen for us to understand what’s going on.
Aside from the unique storytelling, the film is a visual marvel. Cinematographer Nic Knowland and Strickland worked together to create a dream-like atmosphere through most of the scenes in the mansion. Exteriors are also lovingly shot, but the lecture scenes give off a cool feeling, as if these characters don’t really belong outside the mansion.
Knudsen and D’Anna also give fine performances, because otherwise, the film would just be a moving painting with cardboard figures. Knudsen’s Cynthia is a tragic figure and her performance brings that out to the audience. D’Anna makes Evelyn’s dangerous passions come alive, but at the same time, she shows just how reliant Evelyn had become of Cynthia.
The Duke Of Burgundy Blu-ray set, which also includes the DVD, features some nice in-depth material. Strickland sat down for an on-camera interview and also recorded a commentary track. There’s also over 40 minutes of deleted scenes and test shots, along with a stills gallery and one of the director’s older short films. There’s also a promo spot for Cat’s Eye, the group that provided the unique score.
It’s easy to say that this isn’t a film for everyone and that is true, but if you like European art films from the ‘60s and ‘70s, this will be an enjoyable experience. It’s a challenging movie and one you need the patience for. The visual splendor is laid on a little thick, but there’s a fascinating story inside The Duke of Burgundy.
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