House of Pleasures 2011

This claustrophobic film, also known as L’Apollonide Souvenirs de la maison close, provides a candid and unexploited portrayal of life in an elegant Parisian brothel during the years 1899 and 1900. It powerfully illustrates that la belle époque was not as beautiful for the women as it was for their affluent patrons, even though it might have been preferable to wandering the streets or toiling in a sweatshop.

The movie is meticulously crafted to convey the oppressive, hypocritical atmosphere of haute-bourgeois decor, the obsessive eroticism that dismisses genuine desire, and the languid, almost timeless essence that renders each day indistinguishable from the last. The film offers a wealth of details on various aspects of life, including money, cosmetics, hygiene, sexually transmitted diseases, theatrical performances, and the authentic camaraderie that forms among the women. This rich tapestry of life lends the film a documentary-like quality.

However, a striking conclusion provides a stark contrast, showcasing modern-day women who engage in prostitution in present-day Paris, waiting on the streets for passing drivers. It delivers a powerful message that “plus ça change, plus c’est le même commerce,” indicating that despite the passage of time, the circumstances for these women haven’t changed significantly.

Perhaps the film’s most shocking moment features a once-beautiful, now-abused prostitute who envisions her client’s sperm transforming into tears streaming down her face, encapsulating the profound pain within the narrative. This haunting imagery leaves a lasting imprint, reminding viewers of the deeper emotional and social struggles that the women face.