?THE LAST MISTRESS? ? the story of a womanizer in 1835 as it might?ve been reported on TMZ
While the times were different (set in the mid 1800?s), the openness of the story might remind you of today?s paparazzi-based TV shows. Ryno de Marigny (FU?AD AIT AATTOU) is a womanizer, a gambler, and a usually-penniless compatriot of numerous rich people in France. He endures a long-term obsession with a Spanish mistress named Vellini (played with fiery intensity by ASIA ARGENTO). While the film has been described as ?scandalous & explicit? about sex, it?s French-- so it probably doesn?t seem that way to them (just to people like periodically-Puritanical Americans)! The talk and action is indeed unpredictably frank and generally not what you might expect. Aattou is dandy playing a dandy, Argento is fascinating even when unlikeable, observers are frequently pompous, and it?s enjoyable seeing a film so different from mainstream American dramas. But, don?t go expecting typical ?happy ending? type conclusions to the various relationships! Recommended for open-minded filmgoers.