If you assume that whatever Léo did to them included a sort of cursed sexual magnetism, then you can assume Vincent Gallo’s inert performance is a deliberate choice. It offsets his uncanny desirability. But Béatrice Dalle’s raw charisma undercuts that second assumption so perhaps Gallo’s just a bad actor.

It’s still an amazing movie, given depth by Denis’ ability to film a slow crawl along the human body with intertwined erotic and horrific currents. To think this was the follow-up to Beau Travail! Two magnificent stories about obsession with the human form, and the darkness lurking underneath desire.