(aka "The Pornographer" )
directed by Bertrand Bonello
France 2001
THE PORNOGRAPHER chronicles an old pornographer's
(Jean-Pierre Léaud) financially induced return from retirement to direct
porn films. After several years of retirement, he is like a fish out of
water as he aims to infuse some time of aesthetic quality in his porn films.
During this time, his estranged son (Jérémie Renier), who forsook him after
finding out about his profession, pops back into his life, not that they are
by any means reconciled, but at the same time, there are no blowups. In
fact, each are unto their own islands, and each are trying to direct their
lives philosophically--they pace, mull, stare, search.
THE PORNOGRAPHER is filmed in a very graceful style, further elevated by
classical music. Obviously in great contrast to what one would probably
expect from a porn film. Bonello's camera begrudgingly gives up the master
shot. The scene is revealed incrementally, typically fixing upon characters
in isolation, regardless of all the people about them. And all the classical
music creates a floating quality.
For most, there’s just not enough happening in this movie, whether own is
looking for dramatic or erotic fare. The film doesn’t deliver on those
terms, despite that being the expectation of most viewers. And as for the
cinephiles, the film references might just offer some transitory warm
fuzzies. The camera spends its time surveying rather mundane moments with
fluid camera movement, delivering beautiful images, wonderful color schemes.
Characterization is minimized, as well as plot. To what end? To string
together a succession of portraits?
The answer, as usual, lies below the surface. What happens, happens in the
realm of nuance in order to capture those moments where one is alone and
conflicted, if not at the edge of oneself. This succession generates a
certain thematic pulse throughout the film. This affords a certain thematic
continuity, allowing minor characters to keep the ball rolling: a porn star
who leaves the table to go dance alone prefiguring the son at the dance
club, the moment in which another porn star is paid her wages and where a
succession of small progressions can be seen underscoring her lack of
reconcile, the interviewer assaying the situation with the director and
betraying much a sense of her own discomfort… in short, lots of small
moments that won’t amount to much in terms of conventional story. So many
characters with hints and traces of issues encounter one another without
arriving at anything more than superficial contact. Most who cross the path
of the camera gaze inject this acute lack of narrative closure, with the
film suggesting many paths, many story lines that won’t be picked up. And
somehow, I just find it all rather interesting.
Posters
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Theatrical Release: Cannes 2001
Reviews More Reviews DVD Reviews
DVD Comparison:
Editions Montparnasse - Region 2 - PAL vs. Koch Lorber - Region 1 - NTSC vs. Tartan - Region 2 - PAL
Big thanks to Fred Patton for all the Screen Caps!
(Editions Montparnasse - Region 2 - PAL - LEFT vs. Koch Lorber - Region 1 - NTSC - MIDDLE vs. Tartan - Region 2 - PAL - RIGHT)
DVD Box Covers |
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Distribution |
Editions Montparnasse Region 2 - PAL |
Koch
Lorber Region 1 - NTSC |
Tartan Region 2 - PAL |
Runtime | 1:45:48 | 1:45:56 | 1:45:57 |
Video |
1.62:1 Original Aspect Ratio
16X9 enhanced |
1.66:1 Original Aspect Ratio
16X9 enhanced |
1.61:1 Original Aspect Ratio
16X9 enhanced |
NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes. |
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Bitrate:
Editions Montparnasse
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Bitrate:
Koch Lorber
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Bitrate:
Tartan
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Audio | French (DD 5.1 Surround), French (DD 2.0 Stereo) |
French (DD 5.1 Surround), French (DD 2.0 Stereo) |
French (DD 2.0 Stereo) |
Subtitles | None | English, None | English, None |
Features |
Release Information: Studio: Editions Montparnasse Aspect Ratio:
Edition Details:
Chapters 12 |
Release Information: Studio: Koch Lorber Aspect Ratio:
Edition Details:
DVD
Release Date: 2005 Chapters 28 |
Release Information: Studio: Tartan Aspect Ratio:
Edition Details:
DVD
Release Date: 2002 Chapters 16 |
Comments |
The
British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) mandated that 11 seconds be
cut from a graphic sex scene in order for the Tartan release to receive
an 18 certificate. The requirements were to "Remove close-up sight of
man masturbating penis to climax on woman's face and all sight of
ejaculation and semen on woman's face." Given the greater visual detail and director's commentary, those without concern for subtitles will prefer the Editions Montparnasse. |
DVD Menus
(Editions Montparnasse - Region 2 - PAL -
LEFT vs. Koch Lorber - Region 1 - NTSC - MIDDLE vs. Tartan -
Region 2 - PAL - RIGHT)
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Screen Captures
(Editions
Montparnasse - Region 2 - PAL - TOP vs. Koch Lorber - Region 1 - NTSC
- MIDDLE vs. Tartan - Region 2 - PAL - BOTTOM)
Subtitle Sample
NO SUBTITLES ON MONTPARNASSE
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(Editions Montparnasse - Region 2 - PAL - TOP vs. Koch Lorber - Region 1 - NTSC - MIDDLE vs. Tartan - Region 2 - PAL - BOTTOM)
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(Editions Montparnasse - Region 2 - PAL - TOP vs. Koch Lorber - Region 1 - NTSC - MIDDLE vs. Tartan - Region 2 - PAL - BOTTOM)
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(Editions Montparnasse - Region 2 - PAL - TOP vs. Koch Lorber - Region 1 - NTSC - MIDDLE vs. Tartan - Region 2 - PAL - BOTTOM)
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(Editions Montparnasse - Region 2 - PAL - TOP vs. Koch Lorber - Region 1 - NTSC - MIDDLE vs. Tartan - Region 2 - PAL - BOTTOM)
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Thank You!
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