Emmanuelle: A Sensual Exploration of Female Pleasure in the Post-#MeToo Era

Noémie Merlant's captivating performance in Audrey Diwan's new film, "Emmanuelle," has sparked a profound personal journey for the French actress. As she delves into the complexities of her character's relationship with female pleasure, Merlant's own experiences have been profoundly shaped by the #MeToo movement, leading her to re-examine her own connection with her body and desires.

Uncovering the Intimate Desires of a Disconnected Woman

Emmanuelle's Pursuit of Pleasure and Autonomy

Emmanuelle, the titular character in Diwan's film, is a woman on a business trip to Hong Kong, working with a luxury hotel group. Searching for a lost sense of pleasure, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, exploring her arousal through encounters with some of the hotel's guests. One of these guests, Kei, played by Will Sharpe, seems to constantly elude her, creating a captivating dynamic that subverts traditional cinematic tropes.Merlant's performance as Emmanuelle is a masterclass in subtlety, as she portrays a robotic woman attempting to reclaim her autonomy over her own sex life. The actress found a deep personal connection to her character, acknowledging that, like Emmanuelle, she too was "completely disconnected" from her body. The #MeToo movement had a profound impact on Merlant, leading her to reflect on the years where she had been focused on pleasing others rather than exploring her own desires.

Embracing Eroticism in a Post-#MeToo Landscape

Diwan's vision for "Emmanuelle" is to create an experience of sensations, challenging the patriarchal gaze that has long dominated the portrayal of sex and nudity in cinema. The director aims to reclaim the space for eroticism and female pleasure, inviting the audience to slow down and immerse themselves in the present moment.Merlant emphasizes that Diwan's message is not solely for women, but for all those who have been marginalized by the dominant narratives. The film seeks to demonstrate that consent can be exciting, with all parties listening to and respecting each other's needs. Merlant believes that by seeing Emmanuelle's journey to pleasure, men can also find their own excitement and connection.

The Power of Intimacy Coaches and Collaborative Filmmaking

Shooting the intimate scenes in "Emmanuelle" was not a daunting experience for Merlant, who felt empowered by the respectful and collaborative environment on set. The presence of an intimacy coach, along with extensive rehearsals with the actors, allowed for a space of trust and consideration that enabled Merlant to explore her character's sexuality without fear.Merlant rejects the notion that intimacy coaches limit creative freedom, arguing that they instead facilitate greater exploration and surprise. By having more people contribute ideas and perspectives, the creative process becomes richer and more fulfilling for the actors.

Challenging the Male Gaze and Embracing the Female Perspective

Merlant's involvement in films like "Portrait of a Lady on Fire" and now "Emmanuelle" has solidified her reputation as a champion of the female gaze in cinema. She believes that it is essential to create more space for women's stories and perspectives, not only for the benefit of women but for all those who have been marginalized by the dominant narratives.The connection between Emmanuelle and Kei, played by Will Sharpe, is particularly intriguing, as it subverts the traditional power dynamics often seen in on-screen relationships. Merlant views Kei as a representation of a man who does not fit the dominant male gaze, one who is willing to listen and connect with Emmanuelle on a deeper level, without the obligation of physical intimacy.

Exploring New Horizons: Merlant's Aspirations and Inspirations

Merlant's passion for exploring diverse languages and cultures is evident in her desire to work on projects in Japanese or Korean, drawn to the rich cinematic traditions of these regions. She also expresses admiration for filmmakers like Yorgos Lanthimos, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and directors such as Nicole Kidman, Jane Campion, and Justine Triet.Merlant's experience working with the acclaimed actress Cate Blanchett on the film "Tár" was particularly inspiring, as she witnessed Blanchett's exceptional talent and dedication to her craft. Merlant likens Blanchett to the legendary footballer Diego Maradona, describing her as a true master of her art.As Merlant looks to the future, she is excited about the upcoming releases of her films "The Balconettes" and "Duse," as well as two more projects she is unable to discuss at this time. With her captivating performances and her commitment to exploring the complexities of female desire and autonomy, Noémie Merlant continues to cement her place as a rising star in the world of cinema.