Immoral Tales

Immoral Tales is a provocative and controversial French film released in 1973, which became a significant piece of the European erotic cinema of the 70s. Directed by the avant-garde filmmaker, Walerian Borowczyk, the film stars Lise Danvers, Fabrice Luchini, and Charlotte Alexandra, and showcases four distinct stories depicting various forms of sexuality and desire throughout history.

The film presents a very non-traditional narrative structure as it is segmented into four separate tales, each presenting a distinctive era and location. The episodes are based on historical events or characters, and are, in essence, a deep dive into the human carnal desires as much as they are a study of the historical periods they depict. This structuring was an innovative approach in filmmaking during that time, often leading to many discussions and debates among the viewers.

The first story, The Tide, features Fabrice Luchini as a young man exploiting the innocence of his naive cousin, portrayed by Lise Danvers, under the guise of a faux philosophical lesson about the sea tides. This story grapples with themes of dominance, manipulation, and the unbalanced power dynamics often hidden within sexual relationships.

The next episode, Therese Philosophe, stars Charlotte Alexandra as a young woman confined in a room filled with religious icons and erotic literature. The character's isolation, repression, and forbidden curiosity drive the narrative here. This story gives an insightful study into the dichotomy between religion and sexuality, legible through the exploration of the plight of the female character's journey of self-discovery and sexual awakening.

Set in 16th-century Hungary, the third story, Erzsébet Báthory pulls from historical accounts of the notoriously bloodthirsty Hungarian countess Elizabeth Báthory, with Paloma Picasso starring. The focus here is on the lavish and hedonistic lifestyle of the aristocracy that is marred by sadism and depravity hidden beneath the facades of wealth and nobility.

The final tale, Lucrezia Borgia, deals with the controversial character from the Borgia family's infamous history in 15th century Italy, involving debauchery and incest within the Borgia family. The historical narration is combined with a myriad of graphic sex and nudity, underlining the unchecked moral corruption within the ruling classes of that era.

Borowczyk's Immoral Tales is much more than an erotic film; it chooses not to shy away from challenging the viewers' sensibilities through its explicit sexual portrayal. Every tale in the movie carries its unique narrative and theme, yet all push the boundaries of cinema in dealing with human sexuality's diverse, darker aspects. This film courageously brings to the screen elements of eroticism, voyeurism, sadism, and power dynamics — components typically kept away from the cinematic narratives back in the 70s.

The filmmaker creatively uses visual imagery to present the various forms of human desire. The cinematography plays a crucial role in enhancing the sensual overtones of the movie—each frame, neatly composed to bring forth the film's erotic charge.

The performances by the lead characters are marked by a rare commitment and intensity. The raw emotion, vulnerability, and audacity on display are hard to ignore, making each story stand out in its way. The film also benefits from its production designs which correctly replicate the period settings, adding to the film's immersive quality.

With provocative and explicit content, it was unsurprising that the film courted controversy upon its release and was often subjected to censorship. However, the controversies surrounding Immoral Tales should not overshadow the fact that there is more to the film than its explicit material. The movie takes an unfiltered look at human desires, delving deep into the psychological aspects surrounding them.

It's worth noting, however, that the film's content marked it as a product of its time, reflective of the then-evolving European cinema, which was brave enough to push the boundaries of on-screen sexuality. However, some themes and depictions might not be acceptable to contemporary viewers, reflecting how social attitudes towards sex and power have evolved.

Immoral Tales might seem a challenge to sit through for some, yet for others, it can be seen as a daring piece of cinema that dares to provoke thought and confront controversial aspects of human sexuality. It is a cinematic expression for those who appreciate unusual narrative structures, historical settings, and the exploration of the erotic side of human nature through the medium of film. However, viewer discretion is advised due to the adult content of the film.