Eugenie is prolific director Jesus Franco's adaption of the Marquis de Sade's 'Philosophy in the Boudoir'. He made several films based on de Sade's writings. In my opinion, this is one of the best films that he ever directed; seemingly he himself said that it was his own personal favourite of his works and it has certainly been made with considerably more care than Franco became known for. It came out at a time when he was making films for producer Harry Alan Towers and, like the others from this cycle; it does seem to have a lot more production value than Franco would soon become known for. After all, this one features British acting legend Christopher Lee in the role of the mysterious character Dolmance. Apparently Lee was not best happy when he saw the completed film on account of the abundant nudity and sleaze – he said Franco added these parts in when he wasn't on set, in fairness viewing the film with this in mind it does appear perfectly likely that this indeed happened.
Aside from Lee, the film stars Franco regular Maria Rohm as Mme. de St. Ange, who reads the Marquis book and fantasises about its decadent contents. The sweet Marie Liljedahl plays the title character Eugenie, the young innocent who is lured into sin by Mme. de St. Ange on her island retreat, alongside her lover Mirvel (Jack Taylor). These two libertines drug her and abuse her in ways that involve sadomasochistic games, inspired by the dark master of ceremonies, Dolmance and his obedient followers.
What really makes this Franco film stand out is that despite containing lots of nudity and perversion – including the then taboo subjects of sadomasochism, lesbianism and inter-racial kisses, and the still taboo subject of incest - it benefits from very nice cinematography, including some rather attractively shot island scenery; while it also has some lush music from Bruno Nicolai to add additional class to proceedings. When you take into account that it looks and sounds good, has interesting actors and a story that makes sense, what you are left with is a genuinely stylish sexploitation film. A film that shows both Franco and its sub-genre at their best.
Aside from Lee, the film stars Franco regular Maria Rohm as Mme. de St. Ange, who reads the Marquis book and fantasises about its decadent contents. The sweet Marie Liljedahl plays the title character Eugenie, the young innocent who is lured into sin by Mme. de St. Ange on her island retreat, alongside her lover Mirvel (Jack Taylor). These two libertines drug her and abuse her in ways that involve sadomasochistic games, inspired by the dark master of ceremonies, Dolmance and his obedient followers.
What really makes this Franco film stand out is that despite containing lots of nudity and perversion – including the then taboo subjects of sadomasochism, lesbianism and inter-racial kisses, and the still taboo subject of incest - it benefits from very nice cinematography, including some rather attractively shot island scenery; while it also has some lush music from Bruno Nicolai to add additional class to proceedings. When you take into account that it looks and sounds good, has interesting actors and a story that makes sense, what you are left with is a genuinely stylish sexploitation film. A film that shows both Franco and its sub-genre at their best.