KatharynRKing — 15 years ago(October 10, 2010 08:44 PM)

Regardless of whether you've seen a cut or uncut version of the film, I think many of you will agree that there is definitely an implication of incest between Madame Fourneau and her son. Moreover, this sexual abuse and strict repression, as well as sequestering away is what causes him to go off the deep end.
Also, what's up with Madame Fourneau and Mlle Lessier ? She kisses her back after the whipping, after suggesting that she has had a certain special or unique relationship with her "I cannot allow anyone to defy me-not even YOU." At first, I thought that the girl was her own DAUGHTER.but then, you know, if she's kissing her own son on the lipswhat would stop her from behaving that way toward her daughter. Of course, Lessier is NOT her daughter. They intimate that Lessier has been whipped before and that, the last time, Lessier undressed willfully, but this time, she challenges Fourneau to do it herself. Of course, Fourneau instructs the all too eager Irene and her friend to strip Lessier downbut after she has been whipped, it interests me greatly to see the way she talks to the girl, as well as the fact that she kisses her. Later, when Lessier strips out of her showering gown (a HUGE faux pas, apparently), she seems to be standing there and Fourneau stares at her rather oddly. One could argue that Madame Fourneau simply feels challenged by the girl's defiance. Others would say that there is something going on but that particular subplot seems to be lost as the bigger picture unfolds.
These are the two most intriguing points of the film for me.
I suppose I'll just have to write up some sort of fanfic in order to satisfy my own curiosity about them hahaha.
Anyone else agree about the incestous and lesbianistic undertones presented by Madame Fourneau's character ?
~~"I came up from the dark without you, and every day since has been in shadow.~~