Vénus Noir

Vénus Noir (2010)

• Director: Abdellatif Kechiche
• Based on the book: no
• Cast: Yahima Torres, Andre Jacobs, Olivier Gourmet, Elina Löwensohn,
• Personal “oh yeah him/her” reaction, i.e. have seen this actor in:
• Andre Jacobs – Invictus, Good-bye Bafana
• Elina Löwensohn – Un long dimanche de fiancailles, Schindler’s List
• Why? It sounded interesting
• Seen:  29 February-1 March 2020      

       Saartji Baartman (Torres) is a young South African woman in 19^th century Europe, exploited by white men. She is coerced into playing an enslaved savage on stage for avid audiences. She drinks to suppress the feelings of degradation.

       It’s a long, detailed film and very painful to see, but it was immeasurably more painful for her to live this life. It is based on the life of a real person.

       Torres is sensational.

       If a film like this can be rated, it can only be given

5 * of 5