The Duke of Burgundy

  • 101'
  • United Kingdom
  • 2014
Every morning, housekeeper Evelyn cycles enthusiastically to the stately country house of Cynthia (Sidse Babett Knudsen, from the Danish TV series Borgen), where she does not receive a particularly warm welcome. Cynthia curtly barks orders at her; and if she is not satisfied with the work, Evelyn is punished. It seems as if the two are caught up in a long-term S&M relationship.
Cynthia, a prim & proper lepidopterist (or butterfly expert), seems to be the dominant one. But director Peter Strickland (Berberian Sound Studio) fairly soon reveals that things may not be as they seem. In reality, it is Evelyn who strictly imposes her fantasies on Cynthia by means of cards with instructions.
The opulent decor (in which dark red sets the tone), the sultry camera work and romantic soundtrack make The Duke of Burgundy a sensual drama, even if most of the eroticism takes place off camera. Strickland concentrates on the completely convincing love between the two women, who are able to create their own timeless (and manless) universe - a place where it is normal to be locked up in a chest.
  • 101'
  • United Kingdom
  • 2014
Director
Peter Strickland
Country of production
United Kingdom
Year
2014
Festival Edition
IFFR 2015
Length
101'
Medium
DCP
Language
English
Producer
Andrew Starke
Production Company
Rook Films
Sales
Protagonist Pictures
Screenplay
Peter Strickland
Cinematography
Nicholas Knowland
Editor
Matyas Fekete
Production Design
Pater Sparrow
Sound Design
Martin Pavey
Music
Cat's Eyes
Cast
Sidse Babett Knudsen, Chiara D'Anna
Local Distributor
Cinemien
Website
http://protagonistpictures.com/films/the-duke-of-burgundy
Director
Peter Strickland
Country of production
United Kingdom
Year
2014
Festival Edition
IFFR 2015
Length
101'
Medium
DCP
Language
English
Producer
Andrew Starke
Production Company
Rook Films
Sales
Protagonist Pictures
Screenplay
Peter Strickland
Cinematography
Nicholas Knowland
Editor
Matyas Fekete
Production Design
Pater Sparrow
Sound Design
Martin Pavey
Music
Cat's Eyes
Cast
Sidse Babett Knudsen, Chiara D'Anna
Local Distributor
Cinemien
Website
http://protagonistpictures.com/films/the-duke-of-burgundy