Review of Sex Is Comedy (2002) by Frank P — 25 Oct 2007

My favorite Breillat. Despite the lack of intimidating seriousness that characterizes her other films, Sex is Comedy quite successfully communicates her quintessential sense and sensibilities. The signature mood of doom and menace is replaced by a natural flow of tenderness.

For a Breillat film, such a quality ought to be cherished - and it is by no means a compromise. Actually, the intimacy and sensuality in several scenes can be overwhelming. Rarely do we feel a vibe so titillating from a woman who merely sits and talks.

Finally, there is an abundance of visual interest. As in Fat Girl and Anatomy of Hell - everything glows (even though the DP is different); every shot and its movements are staggeringly beautiful. Cinema is made for films like this.