B is for Blier

Bertrand Blier(b.Boulogne-Billancourt, France, 14 March, 1939)

Put the chick flicks down boys and girls. If you’re looking for a warm and fuzzy film to watch while spooning with that significant other of yours- why not try something a little spicier? With an uncompromising honesty, wit and theatrical flare, Bertrand Blier has created a substantial body of work exploring the more ambiguous aspects of modern relationships. His first critical and commercial hit Going Places (1974) introduced the world to his unique and always hilarious insights, on youth, sex, male/female relationships, and male/male relationships that are sure to incite something between you and your favorite beau/femme. The story follows the exploits of two loveable rogues, Jean-Claude and Pierrot(a young Gerard Depardieu and Patrick Dewaere) as they rob, con and molest their way through suburban France stumbling from one debaucherous and unlikely encounter to another. Going Places is a little known classic of modern French film but it’s only just the tip of the Blier iceberg .

Ladies, ever wonder what type of women your man fantasizes about when you’re out of town? Check out Too Beautiful For You(1989). Fellas, ever wonder what it’d be like to commit robbery while dressed in drag- and have your woman be cool with it?! Try Menage(1986). From the sexual tension between step-parent and child in Beau Pere(1981) to the hidden bliss of prostitution in My Man(1996); there’s not a taboo around that Blier hasn’t examined in his keen and playful imagination. At times he offends- and quiet often disgusts- but at his best Blier takes the dirty little thoughts we dare not mention and masterfully weaves scenarios that walk a fine line between repulsion and titillation.