Les Biches

Les Biches had some really interesting shit going for it, especially in regards to its two female leads. But because the film is directed by a man in 1968, the third lead is the most boring, undeserving male protagonist. Dude’s presence is a huge negative for me. But if you’re the kind of person who wants a bland straight man to be the focus of a melodramatic bisexual love triangle, Les Biches is the film for you.

Les Biches begins with the meeting of the rich Frédérique and a poor artist named Why. Frédérique seduces Why with both words and money into becoming her “companion.” At a party, the two women meet Paul, our mediocre straight guy. Because he’s a mediocre straight guy, Why is immediately into him. Why begins an affair with Paul. Jealous, Frédérique also seduces Paul. Having been spurned by both of her lovers, Why is devastated and wants to hurt the two back. We’re talking poison dagger kind of hurt.

The dynamic between Frédérique and Why is the best part of the film. The early scenes of them have some great exploration of power dynamics. In general, this is a very unhealthy relationship but one that’s fascinating to watch. Frédérique has money and power but her desires for Why are to spoil her. Why enjoys being able to boss Frédérique around. Why also points out that they both look alike so how could she not love Frédérique like herself? So there’s that element too. This relationship alone could’ve easily filled a really interesting, melodramatic film that could be both well written and delightfully salacious.

But then fucking Paul enters! And he’s so dull! Obviously, I’m not the audience for this, but I don’t know what either woman sees in him. The security of heterosexuality, I guess.At one points he uses a playful threat of rape as flirtation? And Why is into it! Damn, makeup trends may have been on point in the 1960’s but I’m sure glad I didn’t exist in that decade. The most interesting element, the development and breakdown of Frédérique and Why’s relationship stops cold. Instead, it’s about developing the relationship between either woman and Paul. And that development is too normal and boring. I don’t care for it.

The last few scenes are the most interesting of the film. I don’t wish Les Biches was longer. I do wish it had cut out some of its second act and extended its third act. Why goes really off the rails in the last act in the most exciting way. We’re talking murder and trying to steal Frédérique’s identity and assuming Paul won’t notice if she did. The film ends with her in Frédérique’s clothes, waiting for Paul’s return. I want to see that next scene! It was a slow build to the level of crazy melodrama I want from a vintage French character drama. And then it stopped right as things were getting good!

Les Biches bothered me because these two very interesting female characters ended up having their lives and desires revolve around a mediocre dude. If they’d used him as a prop in their weird power struggle, I would’ve been about it. But Paul is too obviously an audience and creator conduit so he gets far too much importance despite his blandness. It’s frustrating. That aspect doesn’t quite take away from the positives of Les Biches. It’s still a film with a great script and sense of style. But every time Paul is onscreen, I’m just imminently reminded that despite 2/3 of the leads in this film being queer women, I, as a queer woman, am not remotely the intended audience.

Overall rating: 5.9/10

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