Free will or predestination? That is the question. In this film of André Téchiné the character of Pierre, a young lad from the country trying to make his way in Paris, certainly doesn't make life any easier for himself with the choices he makes. He spurns those who extend a helping hand, becomes a prostitute(hence the films title) and becomes involved with a female prostitute who turns out to be trouble with a capital 'T'.
Pierre is played by Manuel Blanc, here making his film debut, whose character is a mixture of juvenile self-obsession and vulnerability with a bit of obnoxiousness thrown in. He quite deservedly won a César for his performance which is a further testament to Téchiné's skill with actors. Talking of which we also have characterisations of real depth from Helene Vincent, Emmanuelle Béart and the superlative Philippe Noiret.
The subject matter of this distinctly unsettling piece is not to everyone's taste but is redeemed by Téchiné's mise-en scene, the splendid performances and excellent production values not least the score by Philippe Sarde and the muted tones of Thierry Arbogast's cinematography.
The ending here is inconclusive which some might find frustrating but then, no story really has an end and the director has left it to our imagination.
This is essentially a 'Rite of Passage' movie and one gets the impression that Nietzsche's "What does not kill you makes you stronger" will hold true for young Pierre. At one point in the film he laments: "Why am I such an idiot?" Who among us has not at some stage asked ourself the same question?!
Pierre is played by Manuel Blanc, here making his film debut, whose character is a mixture of juvenile self-obsession and vulnerability with a bit of obnoxiousness thrown in. He quite deservedly won a César for his performance which is a further testament to Téchiné's skill with actors. Talking of which we also have characterisations of real depth from Helene Vincent, Emmanuelle Béart and the superlative Philippe Noiret.
The subject matter of this distinctly unsettling piece is not to everyone's taste but is redeemed by Téchiné's mise-en scene, the splendid performances and excellent production values not least the score by Philippe Sarde and the muted tones of Thierry Arbogast's cinematography.
The ending here is inconclusive which some might find frustrating but then, no story really has an end and the director has left it to our imagination.
This is essentially a 'Rite of Passage' movie and one gets the impression that Nietzsche's "What does not kill you makes you stronger" will hold true for young Pierre. At one point in the film he laments: "Why am I such an idiot?" Who among us has not at some stage asked ourself the same question?!