Movie spotlight
Schoolgirls
Cécilie wants to make the most of her parents being on holiday. She tells her friend Karine that she has a crush on Charles, her piano teacher, and hopes that he will be the one to make her a real woman. So when she turns the piano lesson into a "dancing" exercise, the governess, Greta, throws Charles out. Then her cousins Paul and Line arrive. At dusk, Cécilie watches them go to bed together and realises she is more attracted towards Paul than she was towards Charles. The following day, while the three cousins are out shopping, Charles appears and offers Greta a bunch of flowers and asks her to forgive him. But Greta wants more and gets it. Back to the villa, Cécilie seduces Paul while Charles cures Line of a headache in his own way and Greta teaches Karine how soft and nice a woman's hands and tongue can be!
Insights
Plot Summary
The film chronicles the lives of a group of teenage girls navigating the complexities of adolescence in the 1970s. It delves into their friendships, budding romances, social pressures, and the dawning awareness of their own identities amidst the backdrop of high school. The narrative explores their individual journeys as they grapple with issues of sexuality, ambition, and the transition into adulthood.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, 'Schoolgirls' received mixed reviews. Critics were often divided on its candid portrayal of teenage life, with some praising its authenticity and fresh perspective, while others found its themes and execution to be somewhat uneven. Audiences at the time had a varied response, with some connecting with its raw depiction of youth and others finding it less resonant.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its authentic portrayal of teenage angst and relationships.
Some critics found the film's exploration of sexuality to be groundbreaking for its time.
Others noted a lack of narrative cohesion and inconsistent tone.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this film, but when available, they often highlight its nostalgic quality and its ability to capture a specific era of teenage experience. Some viewers appreciate its frankness, while others may find it dated.
Fun Fact
Although Jonathan Demme went on to become a highly acclaimed director known for films like 'The Silence of the Lambs' and 'Philadelphia,' 'Schoolgirls' (also known as 'Who's Been Sleeping in My Bed?') was an early, less widely seen work in his career.
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