In the 1960s, the “Emmanuelle” books were very popular in the underground scene. But that was the beginning of the success story, because writer Emmanuelle Arsan’s novels were eventually made into films. In 1974, Sylvia Kristel was allowed to play the lead role in “Emmanuelle” for the first time and plunged into numerous erotic adventures as a young heroine.
The film not only made waves with its frivolous sex scenes, but also touched the pulse of the times and became one of the great classics. 13 (!) sequels (some of which were also spin-offs) would follow. Here Emmanuelle was not only allowed to hop through the beds in Tibet, but also met cannibals. Most of these films were on the Index for many years.
During the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, it was announced that “Emmanuelleshould get a remake – and the names involved promised a really good movie
Without a Bond girl, but with a top class replacement
At the time, it was said that Léa Seydoux would star in the new “Emmanuelle” adaptation. The Frenchwoman, who was the lady of the heart of James Bond in “Spectre” and “No Time to Die”, but also in “Blue is a Warm Color”, “Simply the End of the World” or “Crimes Of The Future” sparkled , but is no longer part of the game. But a very high quality replacement has been provided.
Noémie Merlant, who first made waves with her performance in the critically acclaimed ‘Portrait of a Young Woman on Fire’, can now be seen under the direction of ‘Das Event’ maker Audrey Diwan. Merlant has also appeared in Curiosa: The Art of Seduction and Jacques Audiard’s Where the Sun Rises in Paris. The actress will soon also be seen in “Tár”, which will hit theaters in Germany on March 2.
In the hands of Audrey Diwan, you should probably expect a film that will have absolutely nothing to do with the sordid angle that “Emmanuelle” is always gleefully shoved into. Instead, we can probably expect a contemporary, highly sensual viewing experience that – like “The Event” – will show a particular physicality to decipher the characters through their physique. You can certainly be excited. Filming will begin in Hong Kong in September.