The Exterminating Angels

**** Jean-Claude Brisseau’s *The Exterminating Angels* emerges as an audacious exploration of female sexuality framed within a narrative that balances humor, drama, and a creeping sense of doom. This film, the second installment in Brisseau's erotic trilogy, showcases remarkable craftsmanship with extraordinary camera work that amplifies the sensuality of its subject matter. Through the lens of François, a filmmaker attempting to capture a documentary on female climax, the film oscillates between light comedy and a profound examination of the complexities of intimacy and exploitation. The film’s narrative unfolds as François seeks uninhibited actresses, emphasizing a clear distinction from pornographic performers, which offers a fresh perspective on the artistic visions he aims to portray. As several characters dive deeper into this examination of sexuality, tension builds, tempered by haunting apparitions that serve as both muses and warnings. While the film is rich in nudity and explores lesbian interactions, it manages to maintain a sense of artistic integrity, only skirting into the realm of gratuitousness. The focus remains on the actresses’ emotional and physical explorations, often leading to intense moments of revelation and vulnerability. Critics note that while the film is undeniably erotic, there’s an undercurrent of self-reflection on the very nature of making such a film. Brisseau’s work challenges viewers to contemplate the lines between art, exploitation, and personal connection, leading to a film that is both provocative and introspective. Despite some viewers’ criticism of its artiness and subtitled formatting, most agree that the film manages to invoke thought and feeling in a manner superior to many contemporaneous erotic films. Overall, *The Exterminating Angels* stands as a notable entry in the genre, characterized by its thoughtful portrayal of female sexuality, exquisite cinematography, and a narrative that refuses to shy away from its darker themes. **