This reworking of Herman Melville's novella Billy Budd, Sailor is a mesmerising film from French director Claire Denis.
Sergeant Galoup (Lavant) is recalling the events which led to his departure from the Foreign Legion. Stationed at a remote outpost, his affection for his commander (Subor) is threatened by the handsome, well-liked legionnarie Sentain (Colin). Fuelled by jealousy, he plots to eliminate the newcomer.
Denis tells her story through juxtaposing a series of arresting, often homerotic images, concentrating on the seemingly pointless drills and chores of military life. Superbly photographed and skilfully incorporating a diverse soundtrack, this is a work of beauty and mystery, which exerts a hypnotic grip over the spectator.
