Cynthia (Sidse Babett Knudsen) is a middle-aged woman, a professor who studies butterflies and moths. She lives in an opulent house full of books and insects, we do not know where she lives or in what time but its safe to assume its in the 1970's.
Her life revolves around regular visits to the library, seminars about butterflies and moths, and causing as much pain to her maid as possible. The younger Evelyn (Chiara D'Anna) works as the maid, and Cynthia finds any excuse to find fault in Evelyn's work. But we soon learn that Evelyn is the dominant half of this relationship, who demands that Cynthia performs in an elaborate erotic game of her choosing.
But what was once daring and sexually charged, becomes stifling for both who soon lose patience. Not even some bespoke erotic furniture can mask the problems in their fragile relationship. Peter Strickland's last film 'The Barbarian Sound Studio' was a homage to Italian horror films of the 70's, and 'The Duke of Burgundy' does the same for the European Erotica films from the same era. Its often a very funny film, including cinematic firsts in the credits for a Human toilet consultant and Perfumes by Je Suis Gizelle!
'The Duke Of Burgundy' may be an acquired taste to some, it's a beautifully shot film. It's a curious study of an unusual love affair with universal connections, aided by two fine performances from Knudsen and D'Anna who show a great deal of restraint. A lot of questions about their relationship go unanswered, but its not to the films detriment. 'The Duke of Burgundy' is a kinky, hallucinatory gem from a unique director.
Her life revolves around regular visits to the library, seminars about butterflies and moths, and causing as much pain to her maid as possible. The younger Evelyn (Chiara D'Anna) works as the maid, and Cynthia finds any excuse to find fault in Evelyn's work. But we soon learn that Evelyn is the dominant half of this relationship, who demands that Cynthia performs in an elaborate erotic game of her choosing.
But what was once daring and sexually charged, becomes stifling for both who soon lose patience. Not even some bespoke erotic furniture can mask the problems in their fragile relationship. Peter Strickland's last film 'The Barbarian Sound Studio' was a homage to Italian horror films of the 70's, and 'The Duke of Burgundy' does the same for the European Erotica films from the same era. Its often a very funny film, including cinematic firsts in the credits for a Human toilet consultant and Perfumes by Je Suis Gizelle!
'The Duke Of Burgundy' may be an acquired taste to some, it's a beautifully shot film. It's a curious study of an unusual love affair with universal connections, aided by two fine performances from Knudsen and D'Anna who show a great deal of restraint. A lot of questions about their relationship go unanswered, but its not to the films detriment. 'The Duke of Burgundy' is a kinky, hallucinatory gem from a unique director.