The Beast

Originally due to be part of the earlier Immoral Tales, Walerian Borowczyk's controversial La Bete (The Beast) developed an "immorality" all of its own in the eyes... more >

Originally due to be part of the earlier Immoral Tales, Walerian Borowczyk's controversial La Bete (The Beast) developed an "immorality" all of its own in the eyes of some as the titular beast proceeds to ravish an American heiress called Lucy Broadhurst (Lisbeth Hummel), on the eve of her wedding to the son of a French aristocrat. The graphic scenes delineating the beast's couplings with its human "prey" are blatantly allegorical - emphasising the similarities between human sexuality and animalistic behaviour and proved to be literally too heavy-handed for the would-be arbiters of "taste and decency", with the complete film only surfacing again now after a hiatus of 25 years. Although the numerous sequences of the beast chasing corseted ladies through the undergrowth invoke the spirit of Benny Hill rather than any more profound social commentary, The Beast still remains one of the most bizarre and surreal experiences that you could ever imagine. By thoroughly entertaining the cineaste it fully justifies its unique position within the pantheon of perverse arthouse cinema in which it resides. Approach with caution but enjoy with abandon !! AB < less

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DVD Extras

• Including short film The Tide by the director

Film Details

Cast

Marcel Dalio, Sirpa Lane, Lisbeth Hummel, Pierre Benedetti

Technical Details