Based on Pauline Réage’s novel of the same name, “The Story of O” is a French erotica movie known for its explicit portrayal of BDSM and violent penetration. Released in 1975, “The Story of O” is fascinating and divisive and tells the story of O, a woman who becomes a sexual submissive to please her lover, Rene. Find the Blu-Ray on Amazon.com.
What the “Story of O” is About?
Based on the book of the same name written by Anne Cécile ( pen name Pauline Réage ), The Story of O tells the story of the title character, which is only ever referred to as “O,” and her entry into the sadomasochistic and bondage cultures. Corinne Clery, a young and attractive fashion photographer, is transported to the Château Roissy by her lover René (Udo Kier), a sort of Hogwarts for BDSM fans, where she will be taught how to be a sexual slave. The story begins with O being taken to a château, where she is trained in submission and BDSM by Rene and other members of an elite group of sexual libertines.
Rene tells her that she must follow everyone within the chateau without question and that she must never cross her legs; instead, she must always keep them open. He then has her remove her pants. Throughout the film, O is subjected to various forms of physical and psychological BDSM, including punishment, humiliation, and sexual submission. She is also forced to wear a collar and a ring to identify herself as René’s property.
However, other than that, O has willingly come here and is entirely open to being a sexual object; one can presume that O’s character is portrayed as being willing to do anything to please Rene because she seems deep in love with him.
The film explores themes of submission, power, and the nature of desire and love. However, it is essential to note that the movie does not depict the BDSM lifestyle and its safety rules. Therefore, it should not be seen as an accurate representation of BDSM practices.
The Negative Portrayal of BDSM in “The Story of O”
“The Story of O” is criticized for its graphic and controversial nature because it features explicit scenes of BDSM and sexual violence. In the movie, BDSM is shown as a form of abuse and degrading rather than an activity between adults who agree to do it. For example, O is taken to a chateau, where she is trained to be submissive and learns the ins and outs of bondage and sadomasochism. She is also subjected to various physical and psychological abuse, including humiliation, punishment, and sexual submission. She has moved around to different places so Rene and his friends can use her. Not only this, but she is forced to wear a ring and a collar that identify her as René’s property.
It’s important to note that these scenes may be considered disturbing or triggering for some viewers and may not be suitable for all audiences.
Moreover, the movie does not depict the BDSM lifestyle and its safety rules; it does not show the importance of communication and consent in BDSM practices.
Lack of Communication in the Film
Another of the main criticisms of the film “The Story of O” is the lack of communication between the characters, particularly regarding the BDSM practices depicted in the film. In the movie, O is taken to a chateau and put through different kinds of physical and mental BDSM without her knowledge or consent. She is not informed about what will happen to her, and her consent is not sought. In nearly none of the scenes, proper aftercare is performed, as it is essential for a consensual BDSM play. This is not an accurate picture of how BDSM is used since informed consent is integral to BDSM.
In real-life BDSM, communication is vital to a healthy and consensual relationship. Partners should have open and honest conversations about their desires and boundaries and be willing to listen to and respect each other’s limits. However, this is not present in the film, which can be misleading for people who are interested in BDSM but do not have enough information about the lifestyle, leading them to form the wrong idea about it.
What are the BDSM Community’s Thoughts on “The Story of O”?
The BDSM community has different opinions about “The Story of O,” a sexy French movie. Many people in the community have said they don’t like the movie because it doesn’t show BDSM in a good light. They state that the portrayal of BDSM in the film is an act of cruelty and degradation rather than an activity between consenting adults. According to them, the film fails to reflect the values of the BDSM community, which place a premium on open communication, mutual respect, and the absence of harmful conduct.
So, people interested in BDSM but don’t know enough about the lifestyle can be misled by this, giving them the wrong idea of what it means to live that way.
On the other hand, many people in the BDSM community have praised the movie for how honestly it shows BDSM and how it looks at things like submission, power, and the nature of love and desire. But it’s important to remember that the film might not be suitable for everyone because of its violent scenes and controversial subject matter. So people should be cautious when watching it.
Bottom line
The Story of O is an engaging erotic film from the 1970s that features different fetishes and acts. It is known for its controversial and explicit depictions of BDSM and sexual assault, and critics and viewers have different opinions about it. Some like how it shows the sexuality of women, while others don’t like how explicit it is.
Nevertheless, it’s a good watch. In “Story of O,” the scenes of bonding and brutal penetration are told with sparse, exquisite words. The women are flawless, and the visuals are brilliant. Corinne Cléry plays O. Moonraker. She is a French sex actress with an incredible physique and one of the most underrated Bond girls of the 1970s. While O complies with the various painful demands of the men and women who want her, Cléry thoroughly commits to the character regarding audacity and sadomasochism. However, it’s the negative portrayal of BDSM that has drawn all the criticism.
In a nutshell, “The Story of O” is an intriguing and controversial film that won’t win over everyone in the audience. Even though it is an interesting look at power relationships and sexuality, some viewers may not like the explicit content.
Curious about the movie, you will find the Blu-ray on Amazon.com only one click away:
Continue on the review of another great BDSM movie: The Duke of Burgundy, which describes a loving BDSM relationship between two women.