Venus in Fur – reviews of Polanski's 'playful' new film

Polanski turns drama of sexual role-play into a witty, elegant romp with juicy performances, say critics

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What you need to knowRoman Polanski's new drama Venus in Fur opens in UK cinemas today. This French-language film is based on a David Ives Broadway play, which is in turn based on Leopold von Sacher-Masoch's novel about masochism.

The film stars Mathieu Amalric as Thomas, the writer-director of a new play based on Sacher-Masoch's novel, who struggles to find the right performer for the lead role. When chaotic actress Vanda (Polanski's wife, Emmanuelle Seigner) arrives, she convinces a sceptical Thomas to let her read the part, and gradually seduces him with her performance.

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