MA MERE (2004)

Written & Directed By: Christophe Honore 
Based on the book by: Georges Bataille 
Cinematography By: Helene Louvert 
Editor: Chantel Hymans 

Cast: Isabelle Huppert, Louis Garrel, Emma De Caunes, Jean-Baptiste Montagut, Joana Preiss


Pierre, a youth, comes from his grandmother's in France to stay with his parents in the Canary Islands. His father talks oddly about his lost youth and leaves abruptly for France. Mom promises to take Pierre to a nightclub, remarking that people will think he's her lover. He prays. His father dies in France, and his mother wants him to empty his father's office; Pierre finds it full of pornography. His mother takes him in tow into a night world without morality, a world of sexual exploitation, exhibitionism, and wildness. What will Pierre make of this, and what, ultimately, will he make of his mother?

It’s all about incest.

This is a porno, Sure the film has a plot which just makes it a porn with a plot. Sure the storyline involves emotions and incest, but it also involves sadomasochism. So to me it is a fetish European adult film. Others can claim it as erotic art if that helps you sleep at night, Whatever. I am just calling it like I see it.

The women are gorgeous and don’t look as busty and fake as pornstars. So the film has that realism going for it. The sex scenes are graphic and titillating. It doesn’t fail as graphic erotica. If that is what you are looking for in a film this is the one for you.

The film has more sex that gets more extreme as the film goes on. Don’t be dazzled by it’s acclaimed French star cast. If you are looking for a good French drama rent LA HAINE. If you’re looking for kinky entertainment for a lonely evening this is the film for you.

The story follows a young man who comes home to his mother after his father dies at home. He finds his dads adult magazines stash and masturbates then he is discovered by his mom. Who decides he needs actual sex in his life. She has been going out every night to celebrate her husbands death and her freedom. One night she decides to go out on the town with her female friend and invites him. He goes along seeing the debauchery then his mothers friend seduces him. They have sex in public. When they get home they participate in a orgy. Then his mother leaves and leaves another young woman to keep him company. Who he met before soon they become lovers and fall in love.

This film seems to try to make this shocking subject matter normal or more everyday normal.

The film tries to be enticing and while there is a oedipal story going along. That does create drama you sit around and watch wondering. Why this was needed to be made? I guess a cult film in the making.

I really tried getting into it and while It can be provocative. I found the whole endeavor pointless and you feel dirty and ashamed once it is all over. A little disgusted too.

 GRADE: D