Belle De Jour: A Journey Through Power and Fantasy
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 8.5/10 Provocative and Dream-Like
“What happens when a perfect housewife steps into the world of forbidden fantasies? Welcome to Belle de Jour, where desire knows no boundaries.”
Belle de Jour (1967) is a classic that delves into the hidden desires of its protagonist, Séverine, and her exploration of submission and fantasy. Directed by Luis Buñuel, this film examines the complexities of power, control, and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, a captivating narrative for anyone interested in the psychology behind domination and submission.
Plot Summary
The film centres on Séverine, a seemingly conventional housewife married to a devoted doctor. Beneath her composed and reserved exterior, however, lies a secret longing for submission and humiliation. She begins to explore these desires by working in a brothel during the day, earning the name “Belle de Jour” or, “Beauty of the Day.” As Séverine ventures deeper into her fantasies, she struggles with challenges that blur the lines between control and surrender, desire and duty, and reality and fantasy.
Themes
At its core, Belle de Jour explores the dynamics of power and control. Séverine’s desire for submission and her participation in seemingly degrading situations reveal a deeper psychological need for control through surrender. The film’s portrayal of her fantasies aligns with elements familiar in the BDSM community, such as role-playing, consent, and consensual non-consent. Notably, her husband often assumes the role of an orchestrator rather than an active participant, reflecting the emotional distance she maintains in her real life.
Cinematic Style and Symbolism
Buñuel’s use of surreal imagery amplifies the dreamlike quality of Séverine’s fantasies, keeping the audience in a state of ambiguity, unsure of what’s real and what’s imagined. The recurring sound of bells symbolises her desire to be controlled, subtly reinforcing the power dynamics that govern her life. Much like ‘Pavlov’s Dogs,’ (though in this case, ‘Belle’s Cats’), these sounds serve as a trigger, guiding her deeper into her journey toward sub-space.
Memorable Scenes
One of the most striking scenes occurs when Séverine has her first submissive encounter at the brothel. Her vulnerability is met with a calculated form of dominance, marking a turning point in her exploration of her desires. Buñuel’s direction masterfully blends eroticism with discomfort, creating a moment that is both charged and unsettling without ever becoming overtly sexual or gratuitous.
Another memorable moment is the almost comedic role-play involving the submissive gynaecologist. This is Belle’s first encounter with a submissive client, a sharp contrast to the more dominant alpha male figures she’s used to, whether real or imagined. While initially disgusted, she finds herself unable to look away from the peephole as another girl leads the session, further exposing her complex fascination with the dynamics of power and submission.
Belle’s desire for humiliation is a recurring theme, intricately woven throughout the film. It’s not just physical but deeply emotional, with scenes that evoke shame, anxiety, and fear. These moments transform the film into a psychological exploration of human behaviour, as well as focusing on the nuanced interaction between surrender and control.
Performance and Direction
Catherine Deneuve delivers an unforgettable performance as Séverine, portraying both innocence and longing with an enigmatic grace. Buñuel’s direction complements her performance with dreamlike sequences that create the tension between her outer life and inner desires. His subtle use of symbolism, such as the recurring bell or meowing cats Séverine hears reinforces the theme of control.
While Belle de Jour remains a fascinating exploration of fantasy and submission, some of its portrayals of consent and female sexuality might feel outdated to contemporary viewers. Certain scenes raise questions about the ethical treatment of Séverine’s desires, especially within the framework of BDSM.
“I could never love a woman who wasn’t submissive.” ~ Henri Husson
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Catherine Deneuve’s magnetic performance.
Surreal visuals that explore fantasy and reality.
Provocative themes of power and control.
A real touching and in-depth understanding of the human psyche.
Cons:
Some outdated portrayals of female desire.
Slow pacing at certain points.
Reel Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 8/10 Provocative & Dream-Like
Belle de Jour remains a captivating, albeit challenging, exploration of desire, submission, fantasy, and power. Its artistry and psychological depth are wonderful and still resonate today, though some elements might benefit from a modern perspective; otherwise, it would have earned a 9 out of 10 stars.
Kink Rating
💋💋💋💋💋💋 6.5/ 10 Subdued & Psychological
While Belle de Jour flirts with BDSM themes, it’s far more about repression, voyeurism, and power dynamics than overt kink. The film teases submission and desire but keeps most of the eroticism off-screen, buried beneath Séverine’s controlled exterior. Those looking for explicit depictions of BDSM may find it frustratingly restrained, but its psychological depth offers plenty to unpack.
Final Verdict
🍏🍏🍏🍏🍏🍏🍏🍏🍏🍏🍏🍏🍏🍏 14.5/20 Haunting & Hypnotic
Overall, Belle de Jour is a masterful film that delves into the complexities of submission and power. Its psychological depth and captivating performance by Catherine Deneuve make it a must-watch for anyone interested in the subtleties of desire and control. Though dated in some respects, the film’s exploration of inner fantasies and their consequences remains both thought-provoking and timeless.
A Film For
Lovers of surreal, art-house eroticism that leans into psychological depth over explicit content.
Fans of Catherine Deneuve, her performance alone is worth watching.
Those intrigued by themes of repression, submission, and secret desires lurking beneath the surface of bourgeois life.
Viewers who appreciate films that leave room for interpretation rather than offering clear-cut answers.
Anyone looking for a beautifully shot, stylish film that blends sex and surrealism in an intoxicating way.
Not For
Those expecting explicit BDSM scenes, this is more tease than release.
Anyone looking for a clear, linear narrative. Buñuel plays with reality, and it’s not always easy to follow.
Viewers who prefer their erotic cinema with modern pacing, this one is a slow burn.
Anyone expecting a satisfying or definitive ending.
The Gilded Crop Award goes to: Catherine Deneuve as Séverine Serizy
Cool, composed, and utterly enigmatic, Catherine Deneuve delivers a masterclass in restraint and quiet rebellion. Her portrayal of Séverine is hypnotic, walking the fine line between repression and erotic awakening with a performance that leaves more unsaid than spoken. She makes Belle de Jour timeless, her delicate expressions and contradictions pulling us deeper into her fractured psyche. No one else could have embodied this role with such effortless allure.
The Broken Paddle Award goes to: That Ending: Reality? Fantasy? Who Knows?
Luis Buñuel was never one for clear-cut storytelling, but Belle de Jour's ambiguous ending, where Séverine's husband suddenly seems aware of her double life, only for the scene to dissolve into a dreamlike haze, leaves more questions than answers. While some love the mystery, it feels like a cop-out, dodging resolution in favour of surrealism. Is she free? Trapped? Imagining it all? Instead of a satisfying climax, we’re left dangling in Séverine’s subconscious, with no way to know what’s real.
Did You Know?
Did you know that Catherine Deneuve's character's fantasies in Belle de Jour were inspired by real psychological case studies? Director Luis Buñuel consulted with psychoanalysts to craft Séverine's complex inner world, blending surrealism with authenticity.
Related Films or Recommendations
If you enjoyed Belle de Jour, you might also like The Duke of Burgundy, Blue Velvet, or The Piano Teacher, films that similarly explore the boundaries of power, submission, and desire.
Drop a comment below and cast your vote! Want more deep dives into cinema’s sensual and subversive side? Stick around, there’s plenty more to come.
