Eugenie... the Story of Her Journey Into Perversion / Eugenie (1970) + Extras

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Eugenie... the Story of Her Journey Into Perversion / Eugenie (1970) + Extras

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"Eugenie" is further proof that Jess Franco, despite most of his films being absolute crap, had some legitimate talent as a director and was an auteur. Many of Franco's running themes (sado-masochism, the blurring of fantasy and reality, and escape) are in full-blow in this modernization of Marquis De Sade. Its an admittedly sadistic film at moments and just drenches of Franco's typical euro-sleaze decadence, but its also surprisingly classy and has a lot more depth than Franco's typical style-over-substance mindset allows. For me, it ranks with "The Diabolical Dr. Z" and "Vampiros Lesbos" as the man's finest work. His direction is really impressive this time around. Despite a few out-of-focus shots, there are lush moments of beautiful photography. Also, he keeps it moving at a much quicker pace than he is often known for.

The acting is also noteworthy. Jess Franco was known for managing to find the most beautiful women for his films, and he really outdid himself here with his discoveries of Marie Liljedahl and Maria Rohm. Both are absolute babes and decent actresses as well too. Franco regular Jack Taylor plays an absolutely smarmy and unlikable character, and does a good job of it. Christopher Lee's role is merely a cameo, but hes a terrific choice for the small part. Its more than just a name to add marque value as I couldn't see anyone other than Lee being better to read De Sade's philosophy in a modern day setting. "Eugenie" is really a terrific film and one of Franco's best.

This is a modern day (1970's) re-imagining of De Sade's "Philosopahy in the Bedroom."

This is an film which is based on the book "Philosophy in the Boudoir" by the Marquis de Sade. Originally written in 1795, it is perhaps the most representative of all the Marquis de Sade's works. The script very cleverly adapts the original story for the modern time (that is 1970). Dialog is brilliant (Christopher Lee is mostly reading the original text by de Sade). Music is excellent. Acting is superb by all actors, most notably Maria Rohm, Jack Taylor and Christopher Lee. Marie Liljedahl is very convincing as the innocent young girl (she was just 19 while shooting). I don't like the idea to have an even younger actress for the part (like some other comment here seems to advise)! The cinematography fascinatingly uses the space on screen in focusing (and sometimes not focusing) different aspects of the image. But I must admit that this technique works much better on the big screen. Luckily I had the possibility the see this amazing piece of art in a theatrical screening. The film is highly recommended if you like the work of Luis Bunuel, Orson Welles, Douglas Sirk, Roman Polanski, Perdo Almodovar or David Lynch.
That all said, avoid the film if your just looking for a cheap skin flick. You won't find it here. Go to your next videostore and rent something else: "If you want to watch porn, then buy the real thing" (like one other reviewer said). This one has absolutely nothing to do with porn. If you never heard of de Sade and if you have no interest in art and an experimental approach of film-making, you will find this film boring, stupid and you won't understand what's it about.

User Review on imdb.com

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Eugenie... the Story of Her Journey Into Perversion / Eugenie (1970) + Extras

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EXTRAS:
- Theatrical Trailers
- Perversion Stories: Interviews with Director Jess Franco, Producer Harry Alan Towers, Stars Marie Liljedahl and Christopher Lee