I was on vacation in New York a couple of weeks ago, when I noticed a film due to screen that evening on the Sundance Channel. Titled French Beauty, it was a documentary on Gallic actresses that took as its premise that "As essential to France's mystique as its wines, haute couture and cuisine is its place as the defining home of female beauty."

Well, no disagreement here. I've often wondered what it is that they are putting in the water to make French actresses so consistently, yet uniquely, ravishing. While the documentary didn't succeed in answering this question, it did get me thinking over some of my favorite French actresses and also reflecting on how many of them seem to have featured in films with either an overtly lesbian or a homoerotic theme.

First there was Catherine Deneuve in 1983's The Hunger.

Deneuve would also go on to star in the 2002 musical mystery 8 Women/8 Femmes, where she has a sexually charged relationship not only with her sister-in-law, played by Fanny Ardant, but also her maid, played by Emmanuelle Béart. … continue reading

During recent interviews, Julie Delpy has talked openly about the challenges she faced finding support for her new film 2 Days in Paris, challenges she relates to — you guessed it — being a woman in a man's business. But today, 20 years after she wrote her first screenplay, Delpy's perseverance pays off. After successful film festival screenings, 2 Days hits New York and Los Angeles with a good bit of critical fanfare.

Since I am no longer living in one of the chosen markets, I won't be able to see this film just yet, but I know I will as soon as I have the chance. Sure, it sounds very, very straight (it focuses on a rapidly deteriorating hetero couple, and Delpy herself says "it's about my empathizing with men"), but hey, some of my best friends are straight.

I've been a fan of Delpy since her incredible turn as a lipstick lesbian at the club in But I'm a Cheerleader. Wait — I mean since I first met her in Krzysztof Kieslowski's Three Colors trilogy (one of which made Scribe's list of great inaction movies, along with honorable mentions Before Sunrise and Before Sunset, both starring Delpy). And since her talents do not seem to be limited to acting (she wrote, directed, starred in and did the music for 2 Days), I don't see my fandom changing anytime soon. … continue reading