The Punishment is a 1973 film written and directed by Pierre-Alain Jolivet, based on a supposed “true” novel published by the French writer Xavière just a year prior. While the details of that book haven’t really been verified, the film’s depiction of its events – of a woman who, after being employed as an escort and subjected to the whims of a rich playboy, is forced to endure sexual and psychological cruelties at the hands of a number of johns invited to do their bidding with her – was somewhat inflammatory in France during its release and the film went relatively unseen for a number of years (similar to the book, details of which are difficult to come by). Perhaps the subject matter was too close to the truth; maybe it was just the debauchery depicted. Whatever the case, The Punishment doesn’t have much of a critical or cult following, but it certainly matches a particular feeling and tone of the 1970s softcore scene.
Karin Schubert stars as the film’s tortured Britt, who is quickly picked up at the beginning of the film by sophisticate Manuel (Georges Geret) and his arm candy Francoise (Claudie Lange). The opening sequence of the film hints at an almost surreal aesthetic for The Punishment, with Jolivet offering a number of disjointed images set alongside a noisy score leading up to the sight of a bloody dead man while Britt and another man, Raymond (Amidou), flee the scene. Unfortunately, the abstractions end here, with the film opting for a more straightforward narrative that finds Jolivet jumping back and forth between the past events that led to Manuel’s death and the present as Britt and Raymond attempt to start a new life together running from the shadowy cabal that runs the prostitution racket.
The Punishment features an intriguing premise, often hinting at the organizational setup of Manuel’s escort ring – even featuring intentionally vague phone calls to the presumed head boss known only as “Mother” throughout. Jolivet never really capitalizes on the more mysterious elements, though, instead too focused on depictions of various unwanted sexual performances forced on Britt. While the first couple of moments are viscerally shocking – especially the initial rape sequence that Britt is obviously repulsed by – the film’s various torture sessions sort of wear out their welcome, not because of the depravity displayed but due to their elongation. The film’s second act features a perpetually naked Schubert but often feels far too slowly paced to really capture the audience’s attention, and the subject matter should really discourage much titillation for that matter. The film’s shock sequences play out somewhat similar to Blood Sucking Freaks, but without the tongue-in-cheek depravity that makes that film so entertaining.
The questionable use of time-jumping is also something that emerges as the film continues; there’s not much point in showing Britt and Raymond’s escape after the murder during the course of the film’s flashbacks, since nothing really comes of it until the very end. Presumably Jolivet was shooting for a bit of giallo-style tension with the two being pursued by a black-gloved hitman, but it never solidifies into anything worthwhile until the very end. It gives The Punishment a feeling of failing a more artful approach to the proceedings.
It’s unfortunate that The Punishment can’t manage its pacing, because the film’s conclusion does provide a satisfying surprise during the ultimate reveal of the murder, giving some agency to the women it so often depicts in various sexual distress. Whether viewers are willing to sit through the rest of the slightly unpleasant and tedious experience is a question only each individual can answer, though. For this viewer, The Punishment remains rather dull even despite its constant softcore elements.
Blu-ray
Mondo Macabro has released The Punishment on Blu-ray in a standard edition after their usual red-case treatment. The results are very nice, supplying a new 4K restoration from the film’s original negative. The picture features a medium-heavy grain body which is somewhat noticeable throughout the film, but also ensures that strong textures really shine including facial stubble, clothing (when there is any) material is sharp and toned, and background objects are readily apparent. The film features a number of color-contrasting sequences, particularly in nightclub scenes, and these are handled well although occasionally give a bleary sheen which seems intentional to the subject matter. Also notable is the recurring haloing effect around lights, which again seems to be particular choice for the film rather than any error with the transfer. Overall, The Punishment looks great on Blu-ray and ensures that all of the scantily-clad skin is well on display.
For audio, the film’s original French soundtrack is the only option, with a DTS-HD 2.0 mono track featuring default English subtitles. This sounds quite good with robust dialogue and a good focus on the film’s various sound effects, as well as the tortuous screams of the woman next door to Britt in the punishment room. No real issues despite some occasional expected muffling and, again, a seemingly intentional (or at least native to the original film) emphasis on reverb effects when in the punishment room, perhaps to further induce claustrophobia.
For extras, Mondo Macabro collects a number of new options. First and foremost is the new audio commentary with Samm Deighan, not featured in the setup menu but selectable from Extras. She discusses the difficulty in doing research for the film because of its relative obscurity, as well as the transgressive nature of the film that matches auteurs such as Brecht, Sartre, and predating Emmanuelle. There’s also a fairly extensive interview with actor/composer Bookie Binkley which is nicely separated into chapters; it dives into how he got into music, accidentally falling into composing The Punishment, and meeting the book’s author Xaviere; he also discusses his role as the hitman later in the film. A shorter new interview with author Jean-Luc Marret, who wrote a semi-fictional biography of actress Karin Schubert, explores the author’s view of the actress’ work as underappreciated while also discussing the themes of anticapitalism and bourgeois criticism within The Punishment. Finally, a new interview with Noel Very, camera operator on the film, discusses his filmography and work on The Punishment, particularly his changing roles on the film initially. A publicity parade gallery is also included.
Extra Features
- NEW 4k restoration from original negative
- NEW Exclusive interview with composer and actor Bookie Binkley (1080p; 35:49)
- Interview with camera operator Noel Very (1080p; 22:56)
- NEW Interview with writer Jean-Luc Marret (1080p; 8:43)
- NEW Audio commentary by Samm Deighan
- Publicity parade (no chapter breaks; 3:00)
Verdict
The Punishment could be an important French film focusing on the violence and exploitation of sex work, but it’s often too mired in place to appeal to most viewers. However, this release from Mondo Macabro sports a great transfer and plenty of extras to help persuade viewers to take part in the self-flagellation.
