Cast
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Asia Argento
as Vellini
Fu'ad Aït Aattou
as Ryno de Marigny
Roxane Mesquida
as Hermangarde
Claude Sarraute
as La marquise de Flers
Yolande Moreau
as La comtesse d'Artelles
Michael Lonsdale
as le vicomte Prony
Anne Parillaud
as Mme de Solcy
Amira Casar
as Mademoiselle Divine des Airelles
Lio
as La chanteuse
Caroline Ducey
as La dame de Pique
Jean-Philippe Tesse
as Le vicomte de Mareuil
Léa Seydoux
as Olivia
Isabelle Renauld
as L'arrogante
Jean-Claude Binoche
as Le comte de Cerisy
Frédéric Botton
as Le cardinal de Flers
Crew
Director
- Catherine Breillat
Producer
- Jean-François Lepetit
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Last Mistress examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Catherine Breillat brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2007, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Last Mistress took approximately 20 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $6.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
- The final cut of the film runs for 114 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 155 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 4 weeks before filming began.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 6 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2007, when this film is released:
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Last Mistress shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Thick Skinned, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Last Mistress subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Aquamarine and Ping Pong Playa explore similar territory, The Last Mistress stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: May 30, 2007
- Runtime: 1h 54m
- Budget: $6,000,000
- Revenue: $1,831,577
Where to Watch
