Eternally youthful actress Charlotte Rampling has consistently shocked and challenged audiences with her choice of roles - roles in films that re-define the way that we see movies. From The Night Porter in 1974 to 2003's Swimming Pool, Rampling's characters provoke, excite, and enthrall - but never bore. Here, three of her most famous roles give an interesting perspective of her career.
The Night Porter
This controversial film has sparked debate since its release. The story of a former Nazi officer (Dirk Bogarde) and a concentration camp survivor (Rampling) who meet thirteen years after the end of the war and continue a sadomasochistic affair begun in the camp, it's not hard to see how director Liliana Cavani treads on sensitive territory. The psychological depth of the story - highlighted by the ingenious use of light and dark throughout the film - continues to fascinate like a train wreck: it's impossible to look away. Considered by some purely sensationalist, or perhaps as a response to Bertolucci's success with Last Tango in Paris, the film does provide an intelligent, complex study of Stockholm Syndrome and the social situation in post-war Europe. Rampling is absolutely stunning as Lucia - the overwhelming violence and physical nature of the film is offset brilliantly by her understated expression. However, the film is certainly not for the faint of heart, and viewers should be prepared for an emotionally wrenching journey.
- Directed by Liliana Cavani
- Starring Charlotte Rampling and Dirk Bogarde
- 1974
- 118 minutes
Stardust Memories
In a complete departure from The Night Porter, Stardust Memories is Woody Allen's response to (and parody of) Fellini's 8 1/2. The story of Sandy Bates (Allen), a director who no longer wishes to continue making the kind of comedies his audience have come to expect from him, the story unravels over a weekend at a hotel. Trying to choose between two women (Daisy, played by Jessica Harper, and Isobel, played by Marie-Christine Barrault), Bates can't get his ex-girlfriend Dorrie (Rampling) out of his mind. Rampling is luminously shot in black-and-white, and her performance is particularly striking in contrast to her earlier work. One of Allen's top films and a must-see for Rampling fans.
- Directed by Woody Allen
- Starring Woody Allen, Jessica Harper, Marie-Christine Barrault, and Charlotte Rampling
- 1980
- 89 minutes
Swimming Pool
In this strange return to dark, sexually-charged territory, Rampling plays Sarah, a burnt-out mystery writer seeing solace and inspiration at her editor's country house in France. However, her respite is interrupted by the arrival of Julie (Ludivine Sagnier), her editor's young and promiscuous daughter. The two lock horns and avoid each other as much as possible, until Julie murders a man and Sarah must help her. The ending of the film, however, provides a shocking meta-twist to the scenario and leaves the audience with more questions than answers. Rampling is divine as Sarah, revealing the hidden depths of the supposedly dowdy, middle-aged writer.
- Directed by François Ozon
- Starring Charlotte Rampling and Ludivine Saginer
- 2003
- 102 minutes
Rachel Dale - Rachel Dale has studied film since 2003 but been fascinated by movies throughout her life. The first film she saw was Singin' in the Rain ...
