Eugénie, Soledad Miranda's first truly starring role in a Jess Franco film, is based on the Marquis de Sade's Eugenie de Franval, and it is a very faithful adaptation by Jess Franco. Soledad plays Eugénie, the daughter of Albert de Franval, an acclaimed writer who, under the pen name "Radeck," is engaged in researching into sexual perversion. Eugénie is a shy, bookish girl whose chance discovery of one of Albert's erotic books unleashes a powerful incestuous attraction. When he becomes aware of this, he introduces her to his sadistic philosophy and they quickly become partners in sexual crime. Their addiction to committing the perfect crime leads them to their next intended victim, a nightclub musician. Yet Eugénie ends up falling for him and her father takes revenge out on everyone. Soledad dominates and enriches the film; her coquettish behavior and enigmatic screen presence make it impossible to look away. She seems to spend half her screen time curled up with her knees to her chest, looking perfectly innocent, which makes her turn to the "dark side" all the more interesting. Franco appears throughout the film as Attila Tanner, a writer intent on learning more about Albert. The film's storyline is told from Eugénie's deathbed as she recounts her tragic life to Tanner. A lush and haunting melodic score by Bruno Nicolai adds to the beauty of this film.
Review of Eugenie de Sade
