Review by Peter Syslo
THE MARQUIS DE SADE’S JUSTINE (1976 – UK ) is another DVD offering from the company that everyone should get to know, Salvation/Redemption USA (www.salvation-films.com). This is one incredible company which puts out a wealth of European titles that I would otherwise not see. They have so many gems available, that it would be worth any horror fan’s time to visit the company’s site and do some shopping. Also, the quality of these DVDs is excellent; Salvation puts out a consistent product which looks and sounds great. This DVD is a 16:9 anamorphic transfer from the original film, the sound is mono (but you would swear it was stereo), and it also includes a special features section including interviews with direct or Chris Boger and writer Ian Cullen. With all of the technical specs covered, I actually had slightly mixed feelings about the film. JUSTINE was a very good period piece, which was well-crafted, but the story just let me down in the end and I wish that the film had left me with more of a sense of hope.
JUSTINE is directed by Chris Boger and is written by Ian Cullen; based upon a story by the Marquis de Sade. The film stars Koo Stark, Martin Potter, Lydia Lisle, Katherine Kath, Hope Jackman, Maggie Petersen, Barry McGinn, and Ann Michelle.
JUSTINE is about two sisters, Justine (Stark) and Julliette (Lisle), as they learn about the ways of the world. The story begins with the two at a convent, which is running rampant with nightly nun interaction, if you get my drift. After Justine refuses one of the nun’s advances, the two are expelled from the convent and they travel to London in order to make a living as prostitutes. Julliette falls right into the profession, but Justine is disturbed by the whole thought of it. As Justine flees back to the area of the convent, Julliette continues to serve the needs of the flesh as Justine tries to deal with an amorous pastor, a band of despicable thieves, and her lack of any true identity.
I will begin by saying that the film was well done. As stated above, it is a period piece with authentic looking set design and costumes. It was beautifully shot, with the very engaging atmosphere of the English countryside and the garishly sexual atmosphere of the convent and the brothel. I have never read any of the writings of the Marquis de Sade, but from what I know of him, this movie really captured his essence. You have a masturbating Julliette in the convent and you have nuns going down on one another – that’s classic de Sade. Also, you have sexual gratification as the leading motive behind nearly everyone’s behavior – from the respected clergyman to the opportunistic thieves – everyone seemed to have their mind on only one thing. But, the tale is very dark because it seems like there are no human beings in the film who want to do the right thing, for the sake of doing the right thing. Everyone is basically a scoundrel, except for Justine, Julliette, Julliette’s suitor and a few others. As in traditional Sadean form, most of the blatantly honest people are the ones who are good – Justine, Juliet, the madame, etc. The ones who are trying to hide something or manipulate are the truly immoral and evil ones.
All of this amounts to a very thought-provoking tale with a lot of spice to keep it lively – another de Sade staple. However, Justine and Julliette were depicted as teenagers and as I’ve said before, that is not my thing. But, there are plenty of other women in the film who were a treat for the eyes. Strangely, though, I found the nun scenes were the most erotic/perversely decadent – which was a direct result of de Sade’s tactic of experimenting with taboos. But, despite all of the erotic “shock” and moral dilemmas, the film just left me with a depressed feeling. I enjoyed the first half of the film, until Justine escapes the brothel to go back towards the convent. After that, Justine’s plight just seemed hopeless and she falls prey to the horrible tendencies of human nature. Again, mostly everyone was a self-centered, self-satisfying being who cared nothing for morality. I am a dark person, by nature, but this film just reaffirmed the horror of raw inhumanity and it was striking.
Cutting to the chase: THE MARQUIS DE SADE’S JUSTINE was a good, historically-based film which looked beautiful and captured the essence of the time period. It had an augmented sexuality to it which played with various taboos, while at the same time exposing the fraudulent people in de Sade’s world. Although I did not fully enjoy the film, it is worth viewing and it has stirred me enough to go and read some of de Sade’s work. If you like period pieces, are a fan of Salvation’s other films, or you enjoy darkly erotic tales then you may like JUSTINE. I give it a 6/10.