truplayaril Reviews

The Lost Door (2008)

Beautiful and Complex

[9/10 · 12 August 2009]

The Lost Door is an erotic thriller that straddles the line between fantasy and reality. This interplay is already a dominant theme in Stuart's photography and it is explored in a new light with the added complexities of dialogue, motion and music. The driving energy of this film derives from imbalanced relationships- captor and inmate; teacher and student; lover and seducer... The roles of domination and submission are in continuous flux; fantasy and reality become alternately indistinguishable as characters surrender to their desires and then succumb to reason.

The cast of actors perform passionately and Nicole Auberger is a particular standout- both for her endearing naivety and phenomenal beauty. The musical score heightens the romance and intrigue, with sudden pauses of silence applied to good dramatic effect. Quirky details indulge us with insight into Stuart's creative mind: carefully captured reflections off a pair of sunglasses, the odd line of dialogue in Chinese, the humor of a tree shaped like a vulva.

The outtakes and supplemental scenes are a must-see, particularly the beggar who fakes an injured leg. Stuart likes to explore different fantasies in his work and the hot beggar is a good one. Anybody who has spent time around Paris will understand.

This is a complex and multifaceted film, the type that you will want to watch at least once.

Julia (II) (1999)

Seductively Complex

[9/10 · 28 July 2009]

Fans of Roy Stuart's still photography will be delighted by this film. It is a treat to watch the gritty sexuality and dramatic lighting of his books come to life on the screen. As with Stuart's photo work, keen actors and unencumbered production lend a feeling of authenticity.

The best part of this film is how it swept me into Giulia's search for identity- and gratification. She and her partners become entangled by emotions of lust, jealousy and gratification and I could not help but to empathize with the characters, sometimes in unexpected ways.

Anybody who admires Stuart's signature brand of eroticism will not be disappointed!