Review of ...And God Created Woman (1956) by David K — 10 Aug 2009

There seems to be a lot of misunderstanding when it comes to this film. On one hand, people generally see "...And God Created Woman" as the launching pad for the infamously sexy Brigitte Bardot. It's true, the film did make her a worldwide star. But underneath the mask of sex, there is a very strong morality tale based in a chauvinistic and sexist society.

The film takes place in the gorgeous St. Tropez. At the focal point, is a woman, who has been labeled, by the entire town, as a slut/whore/tramp/etc. Fortunately or unfortunately (depending on your interpretation), she doesn't care. She just wants to dance and to have fun. In the beginning, Juliette (Bardot), is surrounded by three animals that give vast insight into what she's going through.

First, there's a rabbit. Rabbits are notorious for mating, a lot. She names her rabbit Socrates. This is her philosophy; her source of enlightenment: sex. Second, there's a kitten. Again, women are often associated with felines, especially if they're sexually active. Finally, and most importantly, Juliette has a bird in a cage. She is a bird in a cage. Only her cage is the oppressive town around her.

This town of St. Tropez is filled with various social classes. The rich man welcomes her as a mistress but can't see any real future with Juliette. The middle-class business man of Antoine only wants to "score" and doesn't have the heart (or balls) to commit to such a young and naive girl. Michel though, the lower class working man, proposes to the woman. She reluctantly accepts his offer, and in a great shot, walks off with Michel, after he just got beaten up, in the stronghold of marriage.

If this is Juliette's story, her taming provides a conflicted look at women in general. On one hand, her freedom is gone. On the other hand, her morality is sound and can fit into a society that had rejected her. But the title, to me, implies a male's point of view. "...And God Created Woman" is filled with men, their opinions, their social status, and their greed.

Economy is just as important to this film as sex. The men who "reject" Juliette are obsessed with money. Some want to turn the town into a tourist resort, others want to become CEO's of their own business. Who falls to the wayside? Women, most importantly, Juliette.

The film is open to interpretation, but the other women in the film are bonafied housewives; conservatives. The film is a glimpse at the "new" and "liberated" woman of the 50's and 60's in its portrayal of Juliette, the sex kitten. If that's true, then the ending can be seen as bittersweet since happiness is achieved at the price of a lost sexual freedom. But maybe morality is essential to balance. After all, "God" created "Woman.".