(043) STRIPTEASE (1963) staring Nico | music by Serge Gainsbourg
8709DVD
also known as SWEET SKIN (2001 re-release title)
director: Jacques Poitrenaud
starring Nico (as Krista Nico) · Jean Sobieski · Danny Saval
· Norma Dugo · Joe Turner
Here
is a rarely-seen moody, whimsical and serious time-piece of mid-sixties,
art-drenched Paris. Great [absolutely stunning] black-and-white cinematography
is a feast for the eyes. It's also surprising to see such an amount
of nudity [from Nico and the other Crazy Horse strippers] in a 1963
production. The story deals with a dancer named Ariane (Nico) who, unexpectedly,
is released from her prestigious ballet troupe. After months of hunting
for new work, she runs into an old friend who is now making good money
as a stripper. Ariane soon finds herself a reluctant member of Le Crazy
Horse cast. A rich playboy sees her performance and attempts to "buy"
her affections, but he has ulterior motives which leads to a surprising
feminist-inspired conclusion.
This
was the first major film for Jacques Poitenaud, after years of working
as Roger Vadim's assistant director (DANGEROUS LIAISONS, BLOOD AND ROSES,
et al). It also marks the beginning of a long working relationship
with musician/maestro Serge Gainsbourg [Serge composes all the music
here, from the opera house to the stripclub]. Also of note is the flawless
performance by American rock-n-roll legend Big Joe Turner who had hits
in the '50s with Shake Rattle and Roll and Hush
Hush (see pic below, center, of Joe and Serge at the piano).
But, of course, the main reason this film has gained cult status is
it's the first starring role for the Velvet Underground
diva, Nico. Although she previously had a minor appearance in Fellini's
LA DOLCE VIA, this is a magnificent full-blown appearance - she is front-and-center
- in a uncanny dramatic performance punctuated with singing, dancing,
and [obviously] stripping.
A
black-n-white French film
with optional English subtitles, uncut 96 min, widescreen,
encoded for ALL REGION, playable on any American DVD machine.
Extras include original French
theatrical trailer.
Nudity/Sexual
Situations
Intended for Mature Audiences
