The Sensualist

About This Movie

So, The Sensualist is one of those elusive gems from the sexploitation era that seems to have vanished into thin air after 1968. Directed by Peter Emmanuel Goldman, it plays with various cinematic styles—think Godard's playful editing or Bergman's introspection, even a nod to Bertolucci's aesthetics. The film's pacing is eclectic, making it feel like a collage of moods and themes that explore sexuality and human connection. There’s a sort of rawness to its performances, though it’s hard to say how they hold up since, well, it’s lost. What makes it fascinating is that it had a pretty tumultuous reception; a producer who was not a fan and Brian DePalma’s scathing yet humorous take in the Village Voice adds layers to its history. It’s definitely a conversation starter among collectors.

The Sensualist is significant for collectors due to its rarity; the film has been lost since 1968, making any remnants or discussions about it quite valuable. Its history is intertwined with notable figures like Brian DePalma, who wrote about it, adding to the intrigue. While there may be no physical copies left, the film's reputation continues to spark interest among enthusiasts of the genre, especially those fascinated by the experimental storytelling of the 60s.