The first biographical study of one of France’s most exciting and provocative filmmakers.

Known for her films exploring themes of female desire, gender conflict, sibling rivalry, and related family issues, Catherine Breillat has been the subject of controversy for her explicit depictions of sexuality and violence. In 2003 she cast the porn star Rocco Siffredi in her film Romance (1998), which became a succès a scandale and established Breillat as one of cinema’s most compelling and disquieting auteurs. She has since made over eleven films, all eagerly anticipated and discussed by filmgoers everywhere. In this first-ever biography, Claire Clouzot, a noted film critic, provides informative details of Breillat’s life, education and craft, while offering valuable insight into her thoughts, motivations and influences.

Contains over fifty photographs (black & white and color) as well as a complete filmography.

Catherine Breillat is director of Une vraie jeune fille (1976), Tapage nocturne (1979), 36 Fillette (1987), Salecomme un ange(1991), Parfait amour (1996), Romance (1998) and À ma sœur! (2000). She is also a bestselling novelist and writer of screenplays. In 2004 her most recent film, Anatomie de l'enfer (Anatomy of Hell), adapted from her novel Pornocratie (Éditions Denoël, 2001) was released. She is currently Professor of Auteur Cinéma at the EuropeanGraduateSchoolin Saas-Fee, Switzerlandwhere she conducts an intensive Summer Workshop.