Make Sure You’re Ready for This One

Read Time:3 Minute, 15 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Playing with Fire (Le jeu avec le feu)
–

Genre: Drama
Year Released: 1975, 2022 Cult Epics Blu-ray
Runtime: 1h 52m
Director(s): Alain Robbe-Grillet
Writer(s): Alain Robbe-Grillet
Cast: Jean-Louis Trintignant, Philippe Noiret, Anicée Alvina, Philippe Ogouz, Agostina Belli, Sylvia Kristel, Christine Boisson, Vernon Dobtcheff, Serge Marquand, Jacques Seiler, Jacques Doniol-Valcroze
Where To Watch: This and others are available for purchase from www.cultepics.com

RAVING REVIEW: Get ready for an immersive and unforgettable cinematic experience with PLAYING WITH FIRE. Directed by Alain Robbe-Grillet, this film transports you into the mind of a wealthy magnate and takes you on a surreal journey through desperation and deception. The story revolves around a father who puts personal gain above all else, setting the stage for a labyrinthine tale that tests the limits of logic and psychological stability.

Robbe-Grillet’s unique vision is brought to life through stunning cinematography, fascinating lighting, and masterful use of color. The film is punctuated by bizarre vignettes that create a dream-like atmosphere, and the narrative is deconstructed in a way that challenges you. The audience is taken on a chaotic excursion that pushes the boundaries of reality. Each cast member brings a unique flavor to the film, creating a captivating and believable world.

Anicée Alvina shines as Carolina, the film’s central figure, leading the audience through the twisted world of the brothel and its clients. Her journey is fascinating and disturbing, and her portrayal is a testament to her versatility and range as an actor.

PLAYING WITH FIRE is a daring work of art that pushes the limits of conventional filmmaking and offers a bold, anarchic style that is sure to shock and delight. It’s a must-see film for fans of surrealism and artistic experimentation, as it challenges viewers’ perceptions of reality and takes them on a journey they’ll never forget. Made in the same year as SALÒ, OR THE 120 DAYS OF SODOM, I would say this is the more approachable of the two films. While they are vastly different experiences, I can’t help but draw connections between them.

In conclusion, PLAYING WITH FIRE is a visually striking film that offers a surrealistic odyssey into the abyss of depravity. It’s a bold, daring work that will leave a lasting impression on audiences. Take your chance to be transported into a world of darkness and humor, as PLAYING WITH FIRE takes you on a journey that will test the limits of your understanding of reality.

The film is distributed by Cult Epics, a Los Angeles-based company specializing in controversial art films with a cult following. Cult Epics was founded in Amsterdam in 1991 and had a long history of releasing rare movies in the art-house, horror, and erotica genres. Over the years, the company has made over 200 titles available on home video and digital in the USA and Canada and continues to bring these films to a new generation of fans. With its commitment to releasing films that push the boundaries of traditional cinema, Cult Epics is a name to watch for movie lovers who appreciate films that challenge the status quo.

SPECIAL FEATURES:
– New 2K HD Transfer (from original negative) & Restoration
– Original LPCM 2.0 Mono
– New DTS-HD MA 2.0 Mono
– Audio Commentary by film critic Tim Lucas
– Interview with Catherine Robbe-Grillet
– Promotional Gallery
– Trailers
– Dual-layered disc
– First Printing includes Booklet w/ Essay on Alain Robbe-Grillet by Film Scholar Marcus Stiglegger
– Reversible Sleeve with Uncensored Original Poster Art
– Postcard

For more reviews and my YouTube channel, please visit linktr.ee/Overlyhonestmoviereviews

Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.

I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.

[photo courtesy of CULT EPICS]