Helene Masson, a busy executive from Paris goes for a special treatment at a spa where she meets a lot more than just to give her body a treat, and a rest from her busy schedule. The clinic where she is going to stay is run by an enigmatic man, Dr. Devilers, whose program gets fabulous results in restoring a youthful appearance and a special glow to its many repeat patients, that find what they are looking for at the hands of the able staff. Unfortunately, they will be eating a diet that includes a lot of sea grass in its menu.
It does not take long before Helene starts noticing the Portuguese workers moving like automatons. When one of them falls in the swimming pool, she jumps to save him from drowning. There are many things that do not make sense. Helene decides to investigate, something that takes her to uncharted territory. In doing so, Helene is suspected of wanting to destroy Dr. Devilers wonderful work. She will be shocked when she realizes what she has gotten herself into.
Director Alain Jessua directed this thriller with shades of science fiction we never saw. Because of its nudity, this film probably had limited release, but not knowing for sure, we could not even hazard a guess. One of the strengths of the film is the production design by Geo Huris, Yannis Kokkos, and Constantin Mejinsky. The setting for the film looks contemporary by today's standards. The achievement of Mr. Jessua lies on the great look he gave the picture, something that is rare in films of more recent vintage. The camera work of Jacques Robin works well, as does the original score by Mr. Jessua and Rene Koering.
Annie Girardot, one of the great French cinema actresses of all times, is excellent as Helene. Alain Delon, one of the handsomest faces of the world cinema, bares it all in a sequence that will be remembered for its frankness at a time when nudity well known actors did not show their charms for audiences to see. Robert Hirsch and Michael Duchaussoy are also featured.
It does not take long before Helene starts noticing the Portuguese workers moving like automatons. When one of them falls in the swimming pool, she jumps to save him from drowning. There are many things that do not make sense. Helene decides to investigate, something that takes her to uncharted territory. In doing so, Helene is suspected of wanting to destroy Dr. Devilers wonderful work. She will be shocked when she realizes what she has gotten herself into.
Director Alain Jessua directed this thriller with shades of science fiction we never saw. Because of its nudity, this film probably had limited release, but not knowing for sure, we could not even hazard a guess. One of the strengths of the film is the production design by Geo Huris, Yannis Kokkos, and Constantin Mejinsky. The setting for the film looks contemporary by today's standards. The achievement of Mr. Jessua lies on the great look he gave the picture, something that is rare in films of more recent vintage. The camera work of Jacques Robin works well, as does the original score by Mr. Jessua and Rene Koering.
Annie Girardot, one of the great French cinema actresses of all times, is excellent as Helene. Alain Delon, one of the handsomest faces of the world cinema, bares it all in a sequence that will be remembered for its frankness at a time when nudity well known actors did not show their charms for audiences to see. Robert Hirsch and Michael Duchaussoy are also featured.