Customer Reviews

Andrzej Zulawski's La Femme Publique (The Public Woman, 1984) UNCUT Premium Edition [LIMITED: 2,000 Numbered Sets] by MONDO VISION

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I usually don't write reviews but as a fan I owe it to myself to spread the word about Andrej Zulawski, this unsung giant of contemporary cinema, and where better to start than this almost too good to be true release from a new DVD label Mondo Vision. I've spent more money buying bootleg copies of Zulawski films than any other director which is a sad statement to make, BUT this release will hopefully put an end to the mistreatment that Zulawski has received on digital format.

To understand Zulawski, one first needs to know a few facts and a brief biography. He is a Polish director; he was thrown out of Poland after his 1972 film "The Devil" (available on bootleg DVD by Polart) was banned by the government due to excessive violence and sexual content. He then moved to France and made "L'important C'est D'aimer" (The Important Thing Is To Love, 1975) considered by some to be his masterpiece even though that is open to debate considering he has made 12 films and every single one feels like a masterpiece of its own. The Important Thing Is To Love defied a whole generation of French filmmakers who were basically running out of ideas. Unfortunately the film did not receive mass distribution and until today it remains a lost cult classic. When you watch that film and compare it to other French films of the same era, you'll be amazed how much zulawski was and maybe still is ahead of his times. Jerry Harvey of Z Channel was an early and passionate admirer of the film and that was the only time the film was ever shown here in the U.S. After Important Thing Is To Love, Zulawski returned to Poland to direct his epic film "The Silver Glove" (also available on bootleg DVD by Polart) that was supposed to be four and a half hours long, but like "The Devil" Polish government stopped the production when 80% of the shooting was done, 10 years later Zulawski was urged by collegeous to finish the film by gluing together the missing pieces, even in its unfinished form it is one of the most haunting art house films ever made. After Silver Globe, Zulawski made "POSSSESSION" in 1981 a tour de force film that is unlike anything else I have ever seen. In my opinion POSSESSION is Zulawski's best and one of the greatest films ever made. Public Woman came 3 years after Possession followed by L'amour Braque (Mad Love) where Zulawski met Sophie Marceau, the beautiful French actress who went on to star in 4 of his films. They were married for 17 years and have a son named Vincent.

With that in mind, now here's my take on this new DVD release of Zulawski's 6th film "Public Woman". This is not a critical review, I leave that to the critics, but I say this that Zulawski may not be everyone's taste, but there is no denying the fact that during his entire career he has defied the mainstream and crafted a different kind of cinema and film language captured purely in moving images that are impossible to duplicate. When you see a Zulawski film you will know it from the first scene, the first moment; he has that auteur quality and signature that is lacking in cinema nowadays. Zulawski is a young people director, all of his films including Public Woman are contemporary, modern and extremely visual. I wanna make an important point here - prior to this release I always watched Public Woman without any subtitles as I do understand a little French. While the subtitles on this DVD are very good, keep in mind that if you have to read subtitles while watching any Zulawski film, the chances are you are bound to miss some very incredible shots and camera movements. To really soak the film in on a visceral level , first watch it with subs to get the basic plot and then re-watch it without subs and you will discover moments of pure cinema where you get goose bumps and tell yourself how the F&#$ did he just do that!!


The Package:

Video Quality: 5/5 (flawless, as a matter of fact I have never seen such a film-like and consistent DVD transfer. Play this on any upconverting or blu-ray player and see it for yourself, no BS or nonsense hype here.)

Extras: 5/5 (Don't miss Zulawski's commentary! love him or loathe him here's a real director with guts that always does it his own way and I respect him for that!)


Audio 5/5 (original mono audio, no bumped up audio here.)

Packaging (worth every dime, I would pay 3 times the price tag just to finally see this film in decent transfer and English subtitles. This edition is bound to become a rare collector item especially since it's individually numbered.) I got #2 /2000, now thats freaking lucky!

The 48 page booklet is my favorite and has some very rare interviews. Considering the limited amount of information on Zulawski, you definitely wanna read this stuff, it `s a must have...

thank you mondo vision for giving voice to this underrated genius.

La Femme Publique (The Public Woman) (1984) is the story of aspiring young actress Ethel (played by the stunning and versatile Valérie Kaprisky), who by accepting a role in a film based on Dostoyevsky's 'The Possessed', directed by controversial Czech filmmaker Lucas Kessling (played with icy cool and raving madness by Francis Huster) is sucked into a world of manipulation, political conspiracy and confusion.

There are many subplots in this film and the line between reality and acting is blurred for both Ethel and the viewer, but this doesn't detract from the beautifully composed shots, visual style and colors or the film itself.

This was the first film I've viewed by Polish director Andrzej Zulawski and it has left me impressed. I'll definitely be seeking out more films by him.

Video/Audio:

The Hi-Def Anamorphic film transfer (approved by Zulawski) retains the film's original 1.66:1 ratio and was undertaken by gifted UK videophile David Mackenzie (http://www.lyris-lite.net/) and it is a visual feast - clean, vibrant, film-like (grain!) and overall - amazing. The audio is crisp and well-balanced.

Supplements:

Commentary with Zulawski
An interesting interview with the director where he talks about, among other things, co-writing the film with the Dominique Garnier, author of the original novel.
Trailer
Image gallery

Package:

Here's the other area (besides the film transfer) where this DVD really shines. The Premium Collector's Edition packaging is absolutely gorgeous. It is black box with red holo-foil stamping, great artwork, 10 B&W photo reproductions (with their own envelope), a Certificate of Authenticity (ltd. to 2000), a CD soundtrack (track list is included) remastered by composer Alain Wisniak (I am a huge fan of DVD sets that include this) AND a glossy 48-page booklet featuring an essay by Daniel Bird (who moderates the DVD's Commentary) and interviews with the director and cast members from 1984. Best of all the whole package fits on your DVD shelf next to all your other standard clam shell cases (it's only slightly larger overall).

Final Thoughts:

This is a perfect film for fans of unconventional/drama/art house/indie/foreign flicks. Thank you Mondo Vision, this DVD set gives Criterion a run for their money. Here's hoping for more quality packages from this company. I only wish more films were treated this well.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

****/***** for this erotically charged drama
*****/***** for the Premium Collector's Edition DVD by Mondo Vision

5 star rating is for the Film itself not the DVD as I have not seen the transfer yet. From the screen grabs circulating the web, looks to be promising. With most of his films badly bootlegged, this could be considered the first proper treatment that Zulawski has received in any region in a long time. Amazon does not have the DVD Contents listed yet, here's some info on what to expect from this release. Following details were posted on Andrzej Zulawski's forum few weeks ago, let's hope they are accurate. enjoy...


FULLY UNCUT & UNCENSORED available for the first time on DVD
in North America!

- Digitally restored high definition progressive transfer
- Feature length audio commentary with Andrzej Zulawski
- Exclusive new interview with Andrzej Zulawski
- 1984 theatrical trailer
- Image gallery
- DVD-ROM content (original screenplay and high resolution photos)

+ 24page Booklet including a newly written essay by Daniel Bird

Technical Details:
Aspect Ratio: 1.66:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
Audio: French Dolby Digital 2.0 Dual Mono
Brand New English Subtitles (optional)
Disc Type: dual layer

Packaging: Digipak Inside Hardcover Slipcase

For diehard Zulawski fans, There is also a 2Disc version listed on Amazon here.

Andrzej Zulawski's La Femme Publique (The Public Woman, 1984) UNCUT Premium Edition (DVD+OST CD+10 Lobby Cards+48pg Booklet) [LIMITED: 2,000 Numbered Sets] by MONDO VISION

Update: Nov 15, 08

Hey folks, just received my copy of the special edition and I'm very happy with the overall quality and the contents that come with it. It's obvious that this new label has spent a lot of time putting together this nice little package. I was very skeptical at first knowing the treatment other Zulawski films have received on DVD. This release of Public Woman, however, is an exception and is nothing compared to those terrible releases of Silver Globe, The Devil, and My Nights Are More Beautiful Than Your Days all of which are being sold here on Amazon for $29.99 with no special features, cropped aspect ratios and standard interlaced conversions. Public Woman is presented in the original aspect ratio of 1.66:1 enhanced for 16x9 TVs, not only that but the transfer is extremely film-like; a true progressive unfiltered transfer. On my 32" sharp LCD, edge enhancements are almost non-existent. The audio commentary and the interview with Zulawski are very informative; they are both in English and the interview is even subtitled in English too. The 24pg booklet is full of content and comes with a very nice essay by Daniel Bird. Before getting this DVD, I was under the impression that the packaging was one of those slim single digipaks like the one that was issued with "There Will Be Blood", BUT NO, this is as thick as any 2disc digipak and it comes with a hardcase so it won't get damaged easily especially during shipping. DVDTalk recently wrote a very nice review of this edition, you should definitely check it out before making a decision to purchase it. The transfer on this DVD alone is worth the price tag, and I can't get over the unique artwork that was inspired by the film, it really stands out in my collection, that's just my 2cents. By the way, Mondo Vision is currently working on the next Zulawski line-up which includes L'important C'est D'aimer (The Important Thing Is To Love, 1975) and L'amour Braque (Mad Love, 1985) with Sophie Marceau, both schedueled for release in 2009, no other details have been released yet.

Great, less hysterical, mid period Zulawski about an independent woman who tries to make it in the world of acting, amidst the usual exploitation one goes through to express themselves for commerce. She is sandwiched in a crazy bisexual love triangle between two psychotic male actors, one who thinks he's hitler, and the other who might as well be Hitlers boyfriend and is some some of political freedom fighter! Valerie Kaprisky is a sexual stun-gun, she appreas naked for large chunks of the film and has a booty that great artworks are based upon - including this film!

Mondo Vision has presented this film in an eye-watering print, you get a Zulawski commenatary and 15 minute interview. The disc itself is pretty much like your standard Blue Underground presentation, modest though not chock full of extras. The packaging of the disc itself is the kicker. Whilst this is only the 'sepcial edition', you get a digipack encased in solid carboard box with a little ribbon to help extract it from it's sleeve. Full colour thickish booklet with lots of intellectual essay work on Zulawski. My copy had little tissue paper insets to protect the booklet! This disc is a collector-scum's wet dream!

Seriously in a depressed market, the fact that Mondo Vision have gone to this length to present a fine intellectual obscurity like this, in such a presentation is cause enough to vote with your pocket and purchase it! It's worth every cent!

For those interested in Zulawki and his cinema, here's a neat collection of extracts from the recent reviews published on Public Woman, other reviewers have pretty much explained how I personally feel about the film so here's what the so called critics are saying...enjoy!

"A maddening yet intoxicating analysis of an aspiring actress struggling to make it in a world of excess and political demagogy pic is a terrific introduction into the controversial legacy of one of world cinema's most gifted, yet impossible to fully deconstruct, filmmakers. It is almost too good to be true - Mondo Vision have assembled a package that will warm up the hearts of many film aficionados who have been hoping to see Andrzej Zulawski's La Femme Publique treated with the proper dose of respect." -- DVD Talk

"There is an irresistible drive and passion in this work that few directors can dream of. The personal and the political unite, and the apocalyptic overtones of his other work are present again. I can think of few films that I would find so much to justify each new screening. It is a work of incorrigible drive and impossible emotion that may seduce or repel you, you may love it or loathe it and there is no real no man's land in between. Startling, provocative and brilliant - the work of a very individual heart and soul. This is one of the best releases of the year, a cracking film from the passionate Zulawski and a truly ambitious region free disc from Mondo Vision." -- DVD Times

"The nihilistic themes and outcome are indeed the core of the film's intrigue. Paired with the socialist air that circulates through each vibrant frame, the fullness of the characters offers a fresh look at humanity all the way to La Femme Publique's Altman-esque conclusion. Now enjoying its debut among English-speakers, La Femme Publique is again available and is, you will agree with me, among the best transfers this side of BluRay since the advent of the DVD." -- Bagatellen

"A fairly insane blend of arthouse filmmaking with trash movie exploitation bits thrown in, La Femme Publique seems as interested in showing off Kaprisky's impressive physique as it is in telling a coherent story. That said, the film has some incredibly striking moments and is beautifully made and shot. The set design and camerawork are near flawless while the performances, as quirky as they may be, are committed and appropriately dramatic. The narrative is a bit off but all of these ingredients make for a very tasty cinematic stew." -- AV Maniacs

"La Femme Publique is superb cinema; it is a visual feast while also offering an intelligent and thoughtful plot. It is not an "easy" film, but will make you think about, debate and consider what you have seen. I consider this a significant work which at last has been made available in a top notch edition. The Mondo Vision release of La Femme Publique is nothing short of superb." -- Synergy Magazine

"Melodrama isn't simply raised voices in a Zulawski film, but also a life-or-death struggle of passion where acting isn't simply about delivering a performance in a film (or within the film-within-a-film) but setting off rapturous elation and mad agony to the hilt. In other words, Zulawski buys into the idea that we're living inside plastic bubbles and the best thing to do is place boundless limits on self-expression. Femme Publique is a love letter to actors, who Zulawski vividly admires for charging fearlessly into his material. The camera in Zulawski's film careens wildly into scenes, pushing forward into the sets and actively pursuing the actors. Most of Femme Publique is shot from daring low angles that render Kaprisky a kind of totemic goddess or a lost soul amidst dizzying and cavernous European buildings, spiral staircases, and dilapidated columns." -- Slant Magazine

Utterly briliant package with a wealth of extras sure to satisfy any true fan of Zulawski's. Great film, beautiful transfer and timeless commentary by Zulawski. Well worth every penny.

I watched this newly released DVD and enjoyed it tremendously. I watched it several times and learned more with each viewing. This movie does not have the routine "happily ever after" ending that many viewers like. It may even disappoint some people; however it is, in my opinion, a masterpiece by Andezej Zulawski, a Polish director. This 1984 movie was made in the era of the political unrest in Eastern Europe. In this movie a young director( Francis Huster) hires a beautiful actress( Valerie Kaprisky)to play a role in his movie. This Young actress has been trying to get on the big screen and into the film business without much success. For survival, she has been dancing nude for a photographer who exploit her. The movie is a mixture of suspense, violence, exploitation, paranoia, sex, nudity and political plots. It was based on Dastoyevsky's "The Possessed". The conclusion is left to the viewer since Zulawski leaves the ending open to your interpretation. The screenplay is written by Dominique Carnier and modified by Zulawski. It could be assumed that part of the character of the director in the film is Zulawski's own character and the story is about making a movie, similar to 8 1/2 by Fellini and the Player by Robert Altman. Viewer may need to review the movie for several times in order to appreciate Zulawski's artistry and talent. I certainly learned more each time I saw it.

It ts introduced by Mondo Vision to the Market with a very attractive packaging, a useful booklet and an interesting interview with Mr. Zulawski.

Congratulation to Mondo Vision for producing a superb art piece as their first product into the market. This version with clear English subtitles will add to Mr. Zulawski's fame. the new viewer gets a chance to know and learn about this controversial director.

A must see DVD, to learn and enjoy this masterpiece of film making. Wish the best of success for Mondo Vision and I hope to see more work from this compant.

Kosrow Nowroozi,MD

Wow! The transfer of this film is amazing! Prior to last night I'd only seen LFP on a murky Canadian vhs rental and an equally dark (visually - the story is another matter) Asian dvd release - both sans subtitles. Even with inky shadows and soupy colors I was so taken with this film - the story, the direction and the performances that I signed up for this release the day I got the Amazon notice! Now, finally seeing LFP as it was originally intended, I am amazed at how much the overall impact of the film is intensified - and LFP is pretty high voltage even in half-light!

Previous reviewers have laid out the storyline, so I'll omit a synopsis of Ethel's journey to her big break as an actress. Suffice it to say, Zulawski is a master at taking what is essentially an over-the-top story, setting it in a specific historical context, and then making it chillingly real.

As to the extras, the essays and transcribed 1984 interviews (what tipped me to the premium ed) are fascinating and well worth the extra cost. Interesting to project on where many of the principals are now compared to their comments made almost 25 years ago.

Zulawski's commentary and on-camera interview give the viewer a glimpse into his attitudes and philosophy of film direction as well as specifics about making the film and creating an adapted screenplay. Interesting for film buffs; invaluable to screenwriters. The soundtrack is a stand alone bonus I didn't expect to enjoy this much. Now it's on my favorites play list.

There is no fluff here. The Premium Edition is crammed with great stuff not the least of which is a fabulous transfer of a truly intriguing film.

Way to go Mondo Vision... so what's next?

I don't consider myself an expert when it comes to movies even though I have watched a number of films within the past few years ever since I joined Netflix. People view movies in many different ways. Some people get excited with the visual aspects. Some people really care about the way a movie is directed, the movement of the camera, and the way scenes are shot. Some care about the plot, the story, the characters, and how they relate to them. Some people understand the dark and intense emotions that are reflected through images and get fascinated with the sense of intensified chaos that those images produce regardless of the plot. Generally speaking, I find myself more drawn towards storyline, the depth of characters, and acting. That might be because psychology is my passion and human behavior truly fascinates me. I also believe that music is a crucial element that can make a world of difference in movies. When it comes to Andrzej Zulawski, I feel rather torn. I absolutely admire his passion for the way he makes his movies because that passion certainly reflects itself very authentically. When you watch his movies, it is almost difficult to dismiss how the emotional intensity of each character comes from within. To me, that speaks volumes about the person who is behind the camera and is directing his actors. It suggests that this person most probably has a deep understanding of how intensified emotions are experienced. He also chooses perfect music which multiplies the already intensified emotions and transfers those feelings to the audience. Out of all the Andrej Zulawski's movies that I have seen, Public Woman and Fidelity have been my favorite ones so far. I am a 28 year old girl so the title of the movie, "Public Woman" grabbed my attention. This movie is a story of a young girl whose dream is to become an actress. In her journey of pursuing this dream, she gets involved with a controlling, possessive, and in my opinion narcissistic director who emotionally abuses her in order to make her a star. I guess one of the reasons that I actually liked this movie despite the hysteria that comes with it, is that in a twisted, abstract way, the main character, becomes free or somehow wins at the end or gets what she works so hard for which is empowering and rewarding. The plots and characters of Zulawski's movies are so complex that it is hard to really describe with words what happens in them but in a very simplified language, I believe that relative to his other movies, public woman is one with more harmony and most importantly, a sense of closure at the end which stands out very significantly to me. I absolutely love the music; I think it is intriguing and creates this strange feeling of nostalgia; the kind that gives you real goosebumps. Last but not least, I love the PACKAGING. Even if you are not a Zulawski fan or have never heard of him before, the packaging of this movie itself is one great reason to buy it. I love the choice of colors on the cover; It looks very original and unique which is refreshing to see and I think the inside booklet with all the pictures is absolutely brilliant and is the result of real hard work.

All the reviews rave about the Director, cinematography, soundtrack, etc., but all I saw was bad acting that couldn't be saved by the non-erotic nudity.