Les Dames du Bois de Boulogne

Bresson’s tale of sexual intrigue, rivalry and revenge among Parisian socialites, with glittering dialogue by Cocteau.

  • Director

    Robert Bresson

  • With

    Maria Casares, Elina Labourdette, Paul Bernard

  • France 1945. 86min

  • Digital

  • Certificate

    PG

  • English subtitles

Based on an anecdote in Denis Diderot’s novel Jacques le fataliste, this tale of sexual rivalry and revenge boasts glittering dialogue by Jean Cocteau and a magnificent performance by Maria Casares as the socialite scheming against a cabaret dancer she suspects of stealing her lover’s affections. Notwithstanding the stylisation and sexual intrigue, thematically this film remains a Bressonian study of the pitfalls and power of love.

Also available on BFI Player