A Raunchy Reworking of Flaubert's Madame Bovery
In Alan Bleasdale's provocative modern re-telling of Gustave Flaubert's classic novel "Madame Bovary," we are whisked away to the enchanting streets of Rouen, France, where desire and ambition collide. The film dives deep into the life of Emma Desneuves, portrayed by the talented Jennifer Ehle, who finds herself trapped in a stagnant marriage, yearning for excitement and liberation. Her monotony is abruptly interrupted when she impulsively responds to a lonely-hearts advertisement, leading her to an unexpected and tumultuous encounter with Gustave Coudray, a charming yet unscrupulous toy salesman played by Adrian Dunbar. As their passionate romance ignites, they begin to spiral into a world filled with forbidden encounters and elaborate schemes, pushing the boundaries of morality in their quest for pleasure.
As Emma revels in the thrill of her affair with Gustave, new desires awaken within her that shatter her tranquil existence. Their relationship unfolds as a reckless dance of passion and deceit, revealing a darker underbelly of their illicit escapades. While Emma succumbs to the intoxicating allure of their life of luxury and excitement, they also find themselves entangled in a web of crime, as the authorities begin closing in on them and a mysterious figure—the infamous masked robber known as Le Terroriste—casts a shadow over their escapades. The juxtaposition of their love affair and the escalating chaos around them adds an electrifying tension, amplifying the stakes for both characters.
However, with ambition and betrayal colliding, the narrative takes a harrowing turn. As Emma's initial enthusiasm turns into a consuming obsession, she transforms into a masterful deceiver, determined to reclaim her power amid growing dangers. With Gustave as her partner-in-crime, the lines between love and revenge blur, setting the stage for a gripping climax that transcends the banalities of her previous life. Ultimately, "Pleasure" becomes not just a tale of romance and escapism, but also a poignant exploration of the costs of desire and the complexities of human relationships.
Full Cast of Pleasure
Jennifer Ehle
Emma Desneuves
Jennifer Ehle delivers a nuanced and captivating performance as Emma Desneuves in the movie 'Pleasure'. Her portrayal of the character is a delicate balance of strength and vulnerability, conveying the complexities of a woman navigating the intricate dynamics of her personal and professional life within the adult film industry. Ehle's ability to embody Emma's internal struggles with authenticity allows the audience to empathize with her character's journey, as she seeks to reconcile her ambitions and desires with the societal pressures and moral judgments that surround her chosen career. Her performance is marked by a palpable intensity and emotional depth, offering a raw and unflinching look at the human experience behind the often-stigmatized world of adult entertainment. Ehle's depiction of Emma is not only a testament to her range as an actress but also serves as a powerful commentary on the nature of pleasure, power, and the pursuit of self-definition.
Adrian Dunbar
Gustave Coudray
Adrian Dunbar delivers a compelling performance as Gustave Coudray in the movie 'Pleasure', imbuing the character with a nuanced blend of world-weariness and paternal concern. As the owner of a high-end Parisian atelier, Dunbar's Gustave navigates the delicate balance between the cutthroat nature of the fashion industry and his role as a mentor to the film's protagonist. His portrayal is marked by an understated gravitas, as he conveys the weight of Gustave's experience and the subtle complexities of his moral compass. Dunbar's performance is a standout feature of the film, as he brings depth and authenticity to the role, allowing viewers to sense the unspoken wisdom and the protective, yet exploitative, relationship he shares with the characters around him. His interactions are laced with a quiet intensity, and his presence on screen serves as a grounding force within the film's narrative, making his character both enigmatic and deeply human.
James Larkin
Charles Desneuves
James Larkin delivered a compelling performance as Charles Desneuves in the movie 'Pleasure,' a character that demands a delicate balance between charm and menace. As the proprietor of a high-end escort service, Larkin's portrayal of Desneuves is one of calculated sophistication, his charisma masking the underlying exploitation of his profession. Larkin brings a nuanced depth to the role, capturing the duplicity of a man who is both a mentor and manipulator to the film's protagonist. His performance is marked by a cold, steely gaze that betrays the ruthlessness lurking beneath his polished exterior, making Desneuves a simultaneously alluring and repulsive figure. Larkin's ability to evoke empathy and revulsion in equal measure is a testament to his skill as an actor, ensuring that his rendition of Charles Desneuves remains etched in the viewer's mind as a complex and unsettling presence long after the credits roll.
Rosalind Knight
Madame Desneuves
Rosalind Knight delivered a memorable performance as Madame Desneuves in the movie 'Pleasure,' a poignant portrayal that exuded a blend of stern authority and unexpected tenderness. As the seasoned brothel manager, Knight's character commanded the screen with her regal presence and her ability to navigate the complex dynamics of her profession. Her performance was nuanced, capturing the resilience and vulnerability of a woman who has learned to balance the demands of the pleasure trade with a maternal instinct towards her girls. Knight's Madame Desneuves was both a formidable businesswoman and a compassionate confidant, offering guidance and protection to her charges while maintaining a façade of stoicism in the face of personal heartache. Her scenes were charged with an emotional depth that highlighted the challenges of her role in the lives of the women she oversaw, making her character one of the most intriguing and multi-dimensional elements of the film.
Judith Paris delivers a compelling performance as La Patronne in the movie 'Pleasure,' portraying the character with a nuanced blend of stern authority and underlying complexity. As the seasoned madam of a high-end brothel, Paris embodies La Patronne with an air of sophistication and a sharp business acumen that commands respect from both her employees and clients. Her performance is characterized by a steely gaze and a precise diction that convey her character's zero-tolerance policy for anything less than perfection. Yet, beneath the surface, Paris allows glimpses of vulnerability and a protective, almost maternal instinct towards the girls in her charge, revealing the multifaceted nature of someone who must maintain a delicate balance between business and the semblance of a family unit within the brothel's walls. Her portrayal is a standout element of the film, providing a layered exploration of power dynamics and the human condition within the sex industry.
Crew of Pleasure
Full backstage crew list →
