Watch Bilitis

Bilitis is a French romantic drama film from 1977, directed by photographer David Hamilton. The movie is based on a collection of poems by Pierre Louÿs and centers around the romantic relationship between a young girl named Bilitis and an older woman named Melissa. The film begins with Bilitis (played by Patti D'Arbanville), a teenage girl who has grown up in a privileged, sheltered life. She is sent to stay with her father's best friend, who runs a photography studio in a beautiful coastal village. There, she meets Melissa (played by Mona Kristensen), a beautiful, free-spirited dancer who becomes her mentor and muse.

As Bilitis spends more time with Melissa, she begins to develop feelings for her. Melissa, who identifies as a lesbian, recognizes Bilitis' attraction and eventually reciprocates. The two begin a secret, passionate affair, hiding their love from the conservative society around them. Through their relationship, Bilitis explores and comes to accept her own sexuality.

At the same time, the film explores the themes of coming of age, self-discovery, and the search for meaning in life. Bilitis discovers that life is not just about material possessions, but also about emotional and spiritual fulfillment.

Throughout the film, the cinematography is stunning, with breathtaking shots of the French coast and hauntingly beautiful still-life scenes. The musical score is equally as rich, featuring an alluring blend of classical and contemporary pieces, including works by Debussy and Villa-Lobos.

However, the film's sensuality, nudity, and lesbian content were controversial at the time, resulting in it being banned in certain countries. Some critics dismissed it as little more than softcore pornography. In reality, however, the film is a poetic exploration of love, identity, and the human experience.

Overall, Bilitis stands as a landmark film for LGBTQ representation in cinema. It tells a moving story of love and acceptance, packaged in a visually and musically mesmerizing experience. Its legacy lives on as a testament to the power of film to challenge society's views and inspire change.