Fat Girl (2001)
Before I start, this film is not for the faint of heart. Things happen in this movie that on one hand are very disturbing and will leave you feeling upset and disgusted. On the other hand, this film has a very specific message it is trying to make, and it makes it well. Using experiences that feel all too real, director Cathrine Breillat examines the way Men will use a whole mirad of techniques both psychological and physical to dominate and control women. The two main characters are underage, and some of the experiences they go through are not pleasant. While disturbing, this film is intent on exposing something real about gender dynamics. About the lengths men will go to get what they want.
That being said, the film is more interested in the sisters relationship than I remember it being. They bicker, argue, fight, laugh, and love each other, sometimes all in one scene. The film tackles the confusion of puberty, body image, and the complexity of sibling rivalry in such a honest way. The performances are really what sells the film and the two young stars are incredible. They manage to show such impressive range. Their ability to tap into a certain kind of childhood vulnerability makes everything that happens feel all the more real and it is sobering to watch.
This is a film the pulls no punches. It will put you through some pretty uncomfortable situations with the hope of exposing something real and something we need to continue to confront.
- ctcher
