The Woman Who Powders Herself

The Woman Who Powders Herself (French: La Femme qui se poudre) is a 1972 French black-and-white experimental horror short film written, produced, and directed by Patrick Bokanowski. The short film, which contains no dialogue, follows a cast of masked figures (similar to those of Bokanowski's later 1982 feature film L'Ange) engaging in a series of outlandish acts.[1]

The Woman Who Powders Herself
A still from the film depicting a sphinx in a barren wasteland
FrenchLa Femme qui se poudre
Directed byPatrick Bokanowski
Written byPatrick Bokanowski
Produced byPatrick Bokanowski
Starring
  • Claus-Dieter Reents
  • Jean-Jacques Choul
  • Nadine Roussial
  • Jacques Delbosc d'Auzon
CinematographyDaniel Bard
Edited by
  • Patrick Bokanowski
  • Renée Richard
Music byMichèle Bokanowski
Production
company
Kira B.M. Films
Release date
  • 1972 (1972)
Running time
18 minutes
CountryFrance
LanguageFrench

Synopsis

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A group of uncanny figures wearing crude, disfigured masks are portrayed occupying themselves with a variety of unconnected tasks, set to an unsettling film score. One of the figures is seen removing pieces of cloth from a well whilst a scarecrow mocks them. Another—the titular character—applies makeup to her "face" as she prepares to go out with an accompanying figure. A figure exits their house and wanders a vast wasteland as an arabesque song plays, encountering an ancient Egyptian style sphinx statue. Two figures accompany each other, one lying on their deathbed. A physical altercation occurs between a gathering of figures at a dinner table.

Film print

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The short film's original 35 mm print was purchased by the Centre Pompidou in 1993, and is currently stored in Level 4 of its Musée National d'Art Moderne.[2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Coulthart, John (May 13, 2013). "La Femme qui se poudre". johncoulthart.com. Archived from the original on February 21, 2024. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
  2. ^ "La Femme qui se poudre". Centre Pompidou. September 25, 2024. Archived from the original on June 29, 2022. Retrieved September 25, 2024.