Venus in Furs - Maartje Seyferth & Victor Nieuwenhuijs (1995)

Director: Maartje Seyferth & Victor Nieuwenhuijs
Writers: Victor Nieuwenhuijs, Maartje Seyferth, based on a novel by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch
Netherlands - 1995 - B&W
Cast: Anne Van der Ven, Andr Arend van Noord, Claire Mijnals, Raymond Thiry, Hilt de Vos

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Venus in Furs is based on the famous 1869 novel by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, from whose name the term masochism derives. This story about an obsessive relationship involves Severin, who makes a contract with a beautiful young woman, Wanda von Dunajew to become her servant and slave. While Severin expresses his sexual fantasies in his role as a masochist, Wanda acts out of love more than conviction. Leading to conflicts and a suprising conclusion that in effect creates a new definition of love. Beautifully shot in detail, with dialogue kept to a minimum, this film flows like an erotic poem. A very faithful and beautifully made adaptation of Leopold von Sacher-Masoch's novel, which means it is both wonderful and lacking in the same ways as the book. It is basically an exploration of masochism, sadism, love, control and lack of control. A central question seems to be whether a lover should deliver satisfaction to her/his partner even when it is not satisfying to her/him. Where is the bond built? Where does trust, love, etc. begin and what does it require? These questions have been asked before and probably in more emotionally resonant movies, but Venus in Furs is worth a look for those who are drawn to their local black and white "arthouse" flick.

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