Review of The Piano Teacher (2001) by Radhika N — 22 Sep 2007

Huppert plays flawed individuals disturbingly well (see La Ceremonie where she plays a very different kind of character). A woman who doesn't know how to relate to others in order to get what she wants and give what they need.

In a sense, her age makes her more confident of her desires but her lack of social skills leaves her floundering when it comes to conveying these desires. The synopsis of the movie states that Erika's sex life consists of voyeurism and masochistic self-injury.

At no point do we see any masochistic sexual self-injury on her part. However, she wants a masochistic sex session with her potential lover. In fact, it is clear in later scenes that masochism is not what she expected it to be, however, it doesn't detract her from her aim of continuing a liaison with her lover who post-masochistic session seems not interested anymore.

Rape/dominance fantasies are by themselves, not entirely uncommon in women but Erika's needs while expressing themselves sexually are more about her past and her helplessness in her family life and the male character is told this explicitly in her letter.

From affectionate adoration his desire for her metamorphoses into confusion and then disgust. This tragedy seems inevitable as she is the protagonist driving it even as she doesn't wish it. Pretty strong characters and a well-made movie.

Haneke excels at making an audience a part of the movie and disturbing their preconceptions.