The Image/The Punishment of Anne (1975)

It seems difficult to imagine today, but there was a time in the 1970s when sexually explicit films and artistry weren't considered poles apart. Director Radley Metzger was taken quite seriously by critics in the late 1960s and early '70s, despite quite explicit sexuality in his films. Eventually turning to hardcore film under the pseudonym Henry Paris (including such still well-regarded films as The Opening of Misty Beethoven), Metzger delves here into fetishism in a violent and intriguing triangle.
Writer Jean (Carl Parker) runs into an old friend, Claire (Marilyn Roberts) at a party. He soon learns that Claire now has a young woman, Anne, whom she purports to own. Anne is subjected to cruelties and humiliations galore by the icy Claire, and Jean gradually finds himself drawn into the sadomasochistic relationship, rejoicing in Anne's objectification and punishment.
Short on plot, the film's focus is really on Claire and Jean, even though Anne dominates the screen time. We learn virtually nothing about Anne beyond her sexuality, which is a tapestry upon which Jean and Claire work out their desires. However, one sequence, where Jean runs into Anne without Claire at a bookstall, is particularly telling. Even here, she is buying pornography, and she reacts to Jean's interest and concern with outright hostility. Although he is part of her humiliation, at least at first her emotional attachment is solely with the vicious Claire. However, there is a brilliant moment late in the film where her acceptance is dramatically pictured by Anne embracing Jean with her manacled hands.
The picture is heavily erotic, with one of the most memorable sequences coming when Anne fondles a rose bloom in a garden. Though there are hardcore moments, the film doesn't go to gynecological lengths. The S&M sequences are mostly brought forth by implication, created by sound and shots of reactions, though there are exceptions that are painful to watch. Unlike the Henry Paris films, which have appeared heavily censored on DVD (eliminating all S&M sequences), the film here is presented uncut, transferred from Metzger's own camera negative.
It's been a long time since sexuality and sadomasochism were allowed to appear on the screen together. It's been nearly as long since such an intensely sexual film could be taken seriously. But for the sexually adventurous, The Image is worth a look. The running time is three minutes shorter than noted on the keepcase.


Director: Radley Metzger
Stars: Rebecca Brooke, Carl Parker and Marilyn Roberts
Production land: USA
Premiere Date: 10 September 1975 Canada
IMDb - 6.9 (527 votes)