Review of Shock Treatment

It is not possible for anybody to prevent films from getting negative publicity or becoming famous for 'wrong reasons'. French director Alain Jessua directed one important film in his long career which could easily belong to the above mentioned category. It is called 'Traitement De Choc'/Shock Treatment. For absolute puritans, the appearance of French actors Alain Delon and Annie Girardot in some nude scenes might be a cause of concern but for average viewers they provide a healthy dose of voyeurism which is something that is craved by all people. However, the true essence of a film cannot simply rest on the presence of just few sex scenes. This is precisely why a film like Shock Treatment is revolutionary as it was the first film in the history of cinema which heralded the use of human beings as guinea pigs for sadistic pleasures of a few denizens of a selfish capitalist society. Director Alain Jessua chose to highlight the sad plight of impoverished Portuguese boys who were deceived into selling their own bodies when they came to France in search of a better living. Shock treatment is not a horror film but some scenes are not for viewers with a weak heart. Lastly, if you have been enjoying actor Alain Delon's performances as a leading man then 'Shock Treatment' has an element of surprise in it. Watch it in order to explore it with your own eyes.