Going Places

There are laughs in it, yes, but how could anyone take this as a comedy?

French filmmaker Bertrand Blier didn't reinvent the wheel with 1974's Going Places, an adaptation (with cowriter Philippe Dumarçay) of his 1972 novel, but the film wouldn't have become an international sensation if he didn't push the envelope...

Seen as a scampy sex comedy back in its day, this French film that made Gérard Depardieu a star may just be the most misogynistic film I've ever seen.

An enormous hit in France and a lightning rod of controversy when it debuted stateside.

My objection is not so much to its amorality as to its untruthfulness and dishonesty.

Few movies portray sex in such a natural, poised, and hilarious way. [Full Review in Spanish]

Here is an unapologetic, if infuriating, cinematic provocation that dares its audience to rationalize the orgiastic behavior on display. Governments, politicians, soldiers, and police are busy committing far greater crimes as you read these words.

... Blier's portrait of showy machismo, reflexive bad behavior and empty pleasure is his sad commentary on seventies culture.

The view of desperate braggadocio behind the "lyrical" romping is withering