A decadent count in 1920′s Japan becomes obsessed with the life and works of the Marquis de Sade. He creates a theatre to show plays adapted from the notorious writer’s novels and recruits thieves, prostitutes and low lives to act out his fantasies on stage for the delectation of his rich, jaded friends. In search of new sensations the nobleman orders one of the actors, on pain of death, to make love to the nobleman’s wife while he watches. Unfortunately, this incursion of real life into his fantasy world will have dire consequences for the count and his divinely decadent coterie.
Reviews
This is well enough made with stylish cinematography and bold dialogue but struck me as a bit too pretentious and repetitive. There was much more talk than action and the action, although occasionally surprisingly nasty, also at times rather coy. There is plenty of semi nudity but little interaction. I was reminded of Café Flesh with its over emphasis on the wacky and clever and also Terayama's Fruits of Passion, which like this had great sets but a tendency not to deliver. Clearly a very difficult enterprise and if this didn't quite succeed it is certainly interesting enough. Maybe if I hadn't gone into this expecting a rip roaring extravaganza, I may have got more from it. Another time perhaps, when I'm not feeling quite so tired?
