Customer Reviews

Writer of O

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Director (and narrator) Pola Rappaport ("Family Secret") has conceived an effective documentary utilizing dramatizations and re-enactments to capture the intrigue and romance of both the novel itself s well as reader's search for the truth behind the rumor of the mysterious author who created the extremely popular erotic novel "Story of O." And most importantly, why was it written at all and to what purpose.

While some docu-philes might think this territory was plumbed in "The Stone Reader" several years ago, the fact remains that in "Writer of O" the clues to the mystery reveal not only the author's identity but the deep meaning underlying the sado-masochistic exploits detailed in the novel.

Rappaport smartly assumes the viewer might not be familiar with the material which has been restricted for ADULTS ONLY reading by censors around the world who only look to the literal meanings of the words and label such
intensely erotic dramas as 'prurient' without even considering the richness of the writing.

Several actors are also incorporated throughout the film to re-enact the bold and disturbing sado-masochistic scenes of the book (with full frontal nudity) as well as a much less erotic but essential past interview with the original author when she was younger. This helps the audience to distinguish between the real and symbolic images these erotic scenes are representing.

The photography, design, and score far exceed typical docu-drama fare which should make this film a sheer delight for those familiar with the text while arousing interest among those who haven't perused the literary 'pleasures' found within the 'Story of O'.

The nom-de-plume Pauline Reage held another mystery that was only revealed by the author four decades after publication, and this film contains one of her final interviews before passing away in 1998.

Check this one out ... if anything it'll turn you on ... to a good book.

Dominique Aury is Pauline Reage. The mistery was revealed some years ago.
Based on interviews with the author, and business associates, the story behind the book is revealed.
The book is a love story, written by Ms Aury for her lover. Published in the fifties in France, it created a revolution. The story of its publication, of its creation, is superimposed on scenes from the book; all of them tasteful, much less explicit than the original movie.
Highly recommended for admirers of the book; however, if you have not read the book, do not bother.