Maison Close

Maison Close, a television drama that aired on the French channel Canal+ from 2010 to 2013, takes viewers back to a fascinating epoch in the Parisian past. The setting is a 19th-century brothel, or 'Maison Close,' where a web of intriguing narratives featuring characters seeking redemption, developing relationships, and encountering power struggles unspools in each 52-minute-long episode. The brothel, known as 'Paradise,' is located in the legendary Le Marais district, an enigmatic underbelly of Paris during the period.

Produced by Jacques Ouaniche, the series is a potpourri of history, eroticism, human relationships, and suspense, presented to viewers through the lens of impeccable storytelling, dramatic representations, and visually arresting cinematic elements. The plot and characters are structured in a manner that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the series.

Maison Close introduces us to three principal characters, each chased by their unique, tainted pasts into the labyrinthine world of 'Paradise'. Vera, Rose, and Hortense are women from diverse backgrounds, whose paths intersect at the brothel. Their personalities and secrets unfold enticingly over the period of twenty-four episodes.

Vera, played by the brilliant Anne Charrier, is the star attraction of the brothel. She lives under the burden of an exorbitant debt, is well-aware of her diminishing youth, and the dawning reality that she cannot maintain her allure forever. Regardless, she exudes dignity and confidence. Her dreams and her desires, coupled with the awareness of her waning beauty, shape her quest for freedom from this seedy setting.

Rose, portrayed by Jemima West, is an innocent character who gets sucked into the world of the brothel in search of her mother. Her resilience and spirit towards enduring circumstances she never intended to be part of is captivating, and her transformation over the course of the series is powerful, showcasing the theme of survival in an unsympathetic society.

Hortense Gaillac, embodied by Valérie Karsenti, is the owner and operator of 'Paradise', where the struggle for power and control underpins every interaction. Hortense is a complex character, with her painful past and the resultant harshness that governs her existence within these dimly lit halls.

While the titular 'Maison Close' takes center stage as the primary setting, the city of Paris during the late 1870s is a co-existing character in itself. The series provides a vivid window into the juxtaposing realities of a society flaunting opulence on one hand and accommodates moral decadence on the other.

The relationships between the characters are a highlight of every episode. Bonds of friendship, hostility, manipulation, and love all exist simultaneously within the walls of 'Paradise,' creating an emotionally charged atmosphere that further fuels the story. Violence interspersed with moments of humor adds an element of reality, reflecting the uncertain life these people live.

Maison Close's distinctive feature is its historical accuracy. The plot is threaded around real events and societal norms of that era, blended excellently with fictional and speculative elements. Corsets, bustled skirts, and buttoned-up men's suits, feature prominently in the costume designs, reflecting the fashion trends of the period, while the production design beautifully captures the grim and dimly lit atmosphere typical of a 19th-century French bordello.

The series isn't shy when it comes to sex and sensual scenes. However, these are rarely glamorized, but rather shown as a commodity exchanged for financial security or as a route to freedom for the inhabitants of the brothel. The erotic aesthetics, with the dark, decadent ambiance, dramatically highlight the harshness of these women's existence, making the series all the more gripping.

In conclusion, the bold and unapologetic Maison Close is a riveting piece of TV drama that unfolds a largely concealed aspect of Parisian history, touching on themes of prostitution, sexuality, social status, and power dynamics.

Its storytelling, character development, and production design make it a compelling watch, providing a provocative, visceral portrait of a long-gone era. Even years after its final airing in 2013, the allure of this Canal+ series continues to captivate audience imaginations and invites reflective conversations that resonate well beyond the dramatic universe it so vividly portrays.