She shocks us with the sex we think about but do not share. She tackles tough subject matter with sensitivity, and allows us to empathize with dubious characters. She simultaneously arouses and disgusts audiences. She enjoys exploring the dark side of sisterhood and the sexual exploration of feminine protagonists. Daring, brilliant, rebellious and acutely observant, French filmmaker Catherine Breillat is a provocateur who would much rather study the bruise on a body than give you something that is easy to digest.

This month, TIFF Cinematheque is screening several of Breillat’s films. If you are in film studies, women’s studies or are simply a cinephile who likes to discuss creative choices and debate tough subject matter, then you really ought to go. For folks who prefer fun, flare and happy endings – stick to the summer blockbusters.

Tonight – Barbe Bleue – Thursday July 29, 7PM
This is Breillat’s most recent film – which garnered critical praise in 2009 in both the film and art world. It’s based on Charles Perrault’s famous fairy tale, about a rich ogre-like man who murders his wives. Breillat’s adapted screenplay provides interesting new context and reflective thought as the story shifts between two young sisters reading Barbe Bleu in an attic and then jumping back in time, where the actual tale unfolds between two adolescent sisters. Like Fat Girl, Barbe Bleue examines the tumultuous bond between sisters that is often steered by jealousy but anchored in loyalty, despite strong variances in personality. The two younger girls who read the story do a spectacular job, as if Breillat managed to have them forget their entire dialogue and sense of play was in fact being filmed. Watching them, we revert to our childhood and once again are swallowed by imagination, wonder and fear. Barbe Bleu is naive and precious while also violent and ugly.

Romance – Thursday August 12, 7PM
Many critics compared it to Last Tango in Paris – but more provocative. A young woman explores her sexuality with sadomasochism and multiple partners in risky settings. Upon it’s release in 1999, the film was outlawed in several countries and labelled as pornographic. I recall watching it as a young student on the verge of discovering my own sexuality, learning about eroticism and unleashing my newfound lust for carnal pleasure. Romance had a profound effect on me. Breillat really takes us to an uncomfortable place that resonates with our complicated desires that, as women, are rarely portrayed in mainstream media.

Other Breillat films screening in the upcoming weeks include:
Une Vielle Maitresse – Monday August 9, 7PM
Tapage Nocturne – Friday August 13, 7PM – which nearly caused riots in France upon release in 1979
Breve Traversee – Saturday August 14, 7PM
Anatomy of Hell – Saturday August 14, 8:45PM

For more info or to purchase tix – go to:
http://www.cinemathequeontario.ca/default.aspx
*Un Vraie Jeune Fille, Fat Girl and Sex is Comedy ran last week at Cinematheque but you can rent them at Queen Video or Black Dog