Friday, January 25, 2019

Repulsion (1965): Roman Polanski and Catherine Deneuve


     Repulsion (1965) was the English language debut for both Polish director Roman Polanski and the stunningly gorgeous French actress Catherine Deneuve. It's tense, psychological horror displayed how remarkably talented each of them are. The moody, stylish skills Polanski shows here would be put to further use in his other "apartment" films, particularly Rosemary's Baby (1968) and The Tenant (1976). Deneuve seemed a bit uncomfortable speaking English, but it doesn't matter, much of her powerful performance is accomplished without the necessity of words.
     Carol (Catherine Deneuve) shares an apartment with her sister (Yvonne Furneaux) in London, and works at a beauty salon...

Repulsion. 1965: Catherine Deneuve

     She is awkward around all men, but has a particular dislike for her sister's boyfriend...

Repulsion. 1965: Catherine Deneuve

     When her sister and her beau go away on a short vacation, they leave Carol alone in the apartment...

Repulsion. 1965: Catherine Deneuve

     Alone and melancholic, Carol begins a slow descent...

Repulsion. 1965: Catherine Deneuve

     into madness...

Repulsion. 1965: Catherine Deneuve

     sadistic tendencies and hallucinations...

Repulsion. 1965: Catherine Deneuve

     and murder...

Repulsion. 1965: Catherine Deneuve

Repulsion. 1965: Catherine Deneuve

Repulsion. 1965: Catherine Deneuve