I only saw this film once, about ten years ago on SBS television in Australia, and while I can't remember many specific plot details, I can remember the impact it had on me. Its loose narrative describes the day to day life of prostitutes working in a brothel, while every so often exploring the movements of a male serial killer who seems to delight in watching women waste away. Like I said, the specifics are a bit fuzzy in my mind, but I do recall he takes photos of a woman tied to a bed over a long period of time, sticking them on a wall, forming a document of her disintegration. It sounds like another film that treats the torture of women as entertainment, but it's far from it. "Species 2" is a far more offensive piece of work (and obviously left such a bad taste in my mouth that I've recalled it here!). Gorris is clearly an intelligent film maker who is not afraid to tackle problematic ideas and concepts, and both this film and her earlier work "A Question of Silence" are essential viewing as examples of feminist cinema - as well as being provocative and intriguing works, regardless of labels.
Review of Broken Mirrors
