Romance

Romance, also known as Romance X, is a French film released on 17 April 1999. Directed and written by Catherine Breillat, the film features a notable cast that includes Caroline Ducey, Rocco Siffredi, Sagamore Stévenin, and François Berléand.

The story revolves around Marie, a school teacher, who feels unsatisfied in her romantic relationship with Paul due to his lack of interest in sex. Seeking fulfillment, Marie meets Paolo at a bar, and they become intimate. As the plot unfolds, Marie explores her desires and encounters various challenges, including a disturbing sexual assault, leading to a complex narrative about love, desire, and loss.

Throughout the film, Marie's experiences reflect her struggles with intimacy and the consequences of her choices. After a series of events, including an unexpected pregnancy, the story takes a dark turn. In a tragic finale, Marie finds herself in labor while Paul is incapacitated, resulting in a dramatic conclusion.

The film has been controversial for its explicit sexual content. Breillat herself acknowledged the authenticity of some scenes in an interview, stating, “An actor never pretends.” This bold approach led to mixed reactions from audiences and critics alike, with some praising its honesty and others criticizing it for crossing boundaries.

Upon its release, Romance was classified differently across various regions. In the United States, it received an R rating, while the original uncut version was shown in Europe. In the UK, it was permitted to be screened uncut in cinemas, although later home video releases did face some cuts.

The film's reception influenced the classification of explicit content in cinema, particularly in Australia, where it helped shape the guidelines for films containing unsimulated sex.

In recent years, Caroline Ducey published a book titled La Prédation (nom féminin), in which she discusses her traumatic experiences during the filming, particularly relating to the controversial staircase scene.

As a groundbreaking piece in arthouse cinema, Romance challenges traditional narratives about sex and relationships, making it a significant, if contentious, entry in the film landscape.