Review of Elle (2016) by Dana F — 25 Sep 2017

If you're of the opinion that all any woman needs is a good raping, then this is the movie for you. If you recognize this title at all, it's probably because Isabelle Huppert got an Oscar nomination for Best Actress for it in 2016.

It has garnered universal praise, so I put it on my list to watch... and frankly, I'm stunned at the positive critical response. They say it's "controversial"... indeed, who wouldn't object to a film that perpetuates male rape fantasy? Quite a lot of people, apparently.

I'm not giving anything away here - the film opens mid-way through a brutal rape scene, and the entire film depicts the events that happen as a result of, and sometimes in spite of, that event. You can't argue about the film's technical brilliance: it's impeccably crafted, stylish, and even humorous.

And Huppert is a commanding force - she makes not only the character, but the entire film, her own. But even taking all that into consideration, dear god, how can you overlook the film's message? It's offensive to anyone who has been, or known anyone who has been, the victim of a sexual assault.

I'm sure the other side would say it's a post-feminist look at female empowerment, but I'm here to tell you that that is a load of bullshit. In this film written and directed exclusively by men, I wonder if any of them have ever actually spoken to a woman.

The titular character is enigmatic and steely with a heart of stone, and not very likeable, but even she would never react to a rape in the way this film envisions. Despite its technical merits, I just couldn't get past it.

If nothing else, "Elle" is thought (and argument) provoking, to say the least.