gridoon2024 Review of Katie Tippel

Katie Tippel (1975)

Atypical early Verhoeven is interesting but unfocused

[6/10 · 16 April 2017]

Paul Verhoeven is not nearly as assured as he would later become in this early film; he was still finding his feet. Other than a lot of nudity, it is quite different from most of his later work: it's a socially conscious, politically charged period drama. Not without interest, but the script is far too episodic and unfocused. Monique Van De Ven offers a sympathetic, spirited portrayal of the title figure, but let's be honest: if this movie didn't carry the name "Verhoeven", it would probably never have become commercially available outside of his own country. **1/2 out of 4.