Madame Simone (Jacqueline Bisset) of Paris gives a visiting American journalist Joanna Scot (Linda Hamilton) some advice on reclaiming her marriage which is on the rocks. Madama Simone who runs a high-class whorehouse has had a lot of experience with men and women and the process of falling in love. Her home-spun philosophy is that if you feel good about yourself , then others will feel good about you too. Her recipe for success in romance seems to me rather too glib and her easy success leaves no surprises and the outcome is predictable. This is the fault of the script not the actors. The actors however do have their short-comings. I found Madame Simone's strong French accent clouded her diction at times and the journalist was supposed to be wondrously transformed with a new hair-do and gorgeous gown. For me it was not a remarkable change in her appearance, but yes, her outlook on life had changed. The odd photographer who breaks into the story is quick to notice a new face(and body) at party time. The photographer makes Mrs X feel important and provides the sex mentioned in the title. Based on a true life story, the film is largely a succession of events and conversations in a woman's life, and would perhaps have greatest appeal to women audiences. If you are a man leave Mrs.X to her own problems, and don't be misled by a catchy title.
9 Reviews
This film was definitely an inspiration to those women who have found themselves in the same situation.
Valorianni16 July 2001
This was an excellent film. Linda Hamilton and Jacqueline Bisset make a unique pair for the theme of this film. Linda Hamilton with her feet on the ground and yet her head held artfully and sensually high takes you on an incredibly romantic journey. Jacqueline Bisset, as the perfect teacher of sensuality, plays her role with poise fit for a queen as she directs Linda Hamilton on her road to her inner self and sexuality. Wonderful! Could watch it over and over!
Pretty much a stinker.
Ferd Berfel23 January 2001
Predictable from beginning to end. Occasionally amateurish cinematography and production. A rather pathetic movie. I expected better from a movie with Bisset and Hamilton. Overall, it had the look and appearance of a made for TV movie from the '70s.
A Wonderful Affirmation of Self
leftreverend118 September 2006
This is not a story of great deeds but rather of great understanding. Joanna Scott (Linda Hamilton) is a woman whose success in her profession, writer, is matched by the failure in her personal life. With her marriage suddenly on the rocks because, as her husband Dale (Stewart Bick) puts it, "She is still the same woman I married," Joanna finds herself cast adrift in a world in which she can find no comfort. Even the opportunity to visit Paris, to interview the famous, or infamous, Madame Simone (Jacqueline Bisset), an "Arranger" of meetings between wealthy men and beautiful young women, cannot draw her back into life, and it is only her desire to flee which leads her to accept the assignment. What she finds is much different than what was expected. "Madam" Simone, though worldly as only the French seem to be, is not selling sex but illusion. Were this movie set in the last century I suspect she would be immediately recognized as a matchmaker. As would be expected, Simone's intuitive sense reveals to her Joanna's estrangement from herself, the meat of this movie being the manner in which she instills in Joanna a new sense of self. Through it all, I was struck by the genuineness of the character's reactions, even when Joanna is caught "researching" a porno. Francesco (Paolo Seganti) the photographer working with her on the article, plays his part as well by allowing her to see herself as he sees her in a series of artistic photographs. Predictably they commence an affair, which, unlike many of Hollywood's portrayals of women, Joanna ends. Joanna's subsequent return to America serves to demonstrate the effects of her transformation and her control of her own life.
A little pizzaze for the female sex
ENIGMA051 January 2003
Sex and Mrs. X is a movie to be seen for women who still believe that men are the popular sex. Maybe in the economic world of the barbarians but not in reality. If you are a woman who likes a little bit of comedy mixed with a little romantic twist and a sensual out look on life, than this movie is for you. Personally recommending a nice comfy chair or sofa some popcorn, maybe a few girlfriends, and the movie. From my point of view, a lot of people prefer to have something racy and erotic from a title like that. But its straight to the point and very nonchalant. Two thumbs up from me!!!!
A wonderful film about sensuality, not sex!
Charles-3111 April 2000
I was shocked that this movie was on Lifetime television. It was a wonderful movie that I feel could have been a strong theatrical release. The writing is superb, the acting first rate, and the beauty of Paris explodes from the screen.
The most obvious strength of this movie is the casting of Jacqueline Bisset and Linda Hamilton in the leading roles. Both are excellent actors and their on-screen chemistry is wonderful to behold. Hamilton plays a modern American woman who has success, but has no passion in her life. This movie is about her first discovery of that passion. Bisset is the worldly woman who knows everything about love except how to achieve it for herself. What is fascinating about this movie is that they teach each other, in ways you would not expect at all.
The script is positively brilliant. You'll find that you recall scenes from this movie for years to come. I particularly liked the "teddy" and the "wine tasting". You'll see what I'm talking about if you watch the film. The script sets up intense moments, then brings them back to Earth gently. It's a perfect mix of sensuality (not sex!) and light comedy. Both of the lead characters grow and change in important ways.
It's not perfect. Some of the situations are a bit cliche, but the strong overall structure allows these moments to slide by quickly. The production cuts some corners here and there, particularly on location shooting, but they got good bang for their buck. I highly recommend seeing this movie.
The most obvious strength of this movie is the casting of Jacqueline Bisset and Linda Hamilton in the leading roles. Both are excellent actors and their on-screen chemistry is wonderful to behold. Hamilton plays a modern American woman who has success, but has no passion in her life. This movie is about her first discovery of that passion. Bisset is the worldly woman who knows everything about love except how to achieve it for herself. What is fascinating about this movie is that they teach each other, in ways you would not expect at all.
The script is positively brilliant. You'll find that you recall scenes from this movie for years to come. I particularly liked the "teddy" and the "wine tasting". You'll see what I'm talking about if you watch the film. The script sets up intense moments, then brings them back to Earth gently. It's a perfect mix of sensuality (not sex!) and light comedy. Both of the lead characters grow and change in important ways.
It's not perfect. Some of the situations are a bit cliche, but the strong overall structure allows these moments to slide by quickly. The production cuts some corners here and there, particularly on location shooting, but they got good bang for their buck. I highly recommend seeing this movie.
Didn't you wish it was you?
JulieKelleher5724 April 2000
Admit it -- the more you watched this film, the more you wished you were Joanna (Hamilton). I love fun movies, and I thought this would be the standard Lifetime sturm und drang (sp?). I was pleasantly surprised. Real characters, real situations, and two hours of escapism. Plus a bonus -- inspiration! Yes -- I was inspired to try just a couple of Madame's (Bisset) tips. I'm buying a teddy this week. Honest!
Linda Hamilton plays Everywoman as well as any actress I've seen. She's a real woman with real emotions. Arguably the most underappreciated actress today, Hamilton continually reveals her grasp of character with her understated performances. And her beauty isn't classic, but fresh (and also real).
Jacqueline Bisset is also a darn good actress, with the added bonus of glamour. Harking back to the days of Ava Gardner and Lana Turner, Bisset shows her sensuousness by hiding it just beneath the surface. Exquisite!
Linda Hamilton plays Everywoman as well as any actress I've seen. She's a real woman with real emotions. Arguably the most underappreciated actress today, Hamilton continually reveals her grasp of character with her understated performances. And her beauty isn't classic, but fresh (and also real).
Jacqueline Bisset is also a darn good actress, with the added bonus of glamour. Harking back to the days of Ava Gardner and Lana Turner, Bisset shows her sensuousness by hiding it just beneath the surface. Exquisite!
A Brilliant and Insightful little film
l-s-s-yarberry6 November 2013
This little made for TV movie was based on an article in Allure Magazine, February 1999, by Amanda Vaill "Rated X -Sex Lessons of a Paris Madam. I highly recommend the movie as it is very informative of how to deal with the collapse of a marriage and how to keep a relationship alive no matter your age. It is fun, insightful and intriguing. Both Linda Hamilton as the jilted wife, and Jacqueline Bisset as Madam Simone prove they are brilliant method actors. I remember seeing this movie when it first came out, now years later watching it again it reminds me that making the little parts of life enjoyable is important in a relationship, a fact so many forget in their busy day to day lives.
Do not go by the title
simplyleela18 December 2014
First of all, I must tell you all that the title of the movie is misleading. After watching the movie, I feel that the title should have been something like "key to a happy love life". This movie takes us to a journey of a woman, called Joanna, who leads a very normal life. Being a journalist, she visits Paris where she finds Madame Simone. The movie unfolds the growing friendship between these two leading ladies and how both help each other to a greater self and happy stage of life. The two leading actresses, Jacqueline Bisset and Linda Hamilton, have played their role with perfection. Their dialogue delivery is full of expression. The best part of the movie is its screenplay and one-liners about the life, mostly delivered by Jacqueline Bisset as Madame Simone. This movie is a must watch for every woman to lead happy love and married life.
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