La Bouche de Jean-Pierre (1996)
Directed by Lucile Hadzihalilovic

Film Review

This striking short film from Lucile Hadzihalilovic (made in collaboration with the controversial young film-maker Gaspar Noé) makes some bold statements about child abuse - both physical and psychological. It shows the effect on the child who is on the receiving end and, no less disturbingly, how such abuse has become an everyday phenomenon, bred by a complacent and hypocritical society.    The film's obvious naiveté and reluctance to go too far in its presentation of physical abuse weakens its impact and prevents it from arriving at a definitive point of view.  Nevertheless, the confined sets and moody photography vividly demonstrates the distress felt by a young child in such a terrible predicament.  The film also makes its point about adults failing to live up to their responsibilities very effectively, albeit with a twisted mocking irony.

Film Synopsis

When her mother tries to kill herself, nine-year-old Mini is left in a highly traumatised state.  Until her mother is well enough to leave hospital, the little girl must stay with her aunt, Solange, in a tiny apartment that is barely big enough for one.  On her first night in her temporary new home, Mimi's sleep is disturbed by the unexpected arrival of a man, who turns out to be her aunt's boyfriend, Jean-Pierre.  It is apparent that Solange's relationship with the newcomer is highly physical.  After her recent experiences at home with her mother, this latest exposure to the adult world is more than Mimi can tolerate.  As Jean-Pierre directs his lustful intentions towards her, the little girl is about to driven over the edge, with disastrous consequences...