Kneel Before Me
Kneel Before Me

Movie spotlight

Kneel Before Me

1983
Movie
Adult · 18+
61 min
English

After a young man marries, he starts having hallucinations that he is the Marquis De Sade. He begins having nightmares that he is attending deviant S&M orgies, where he engages in whippings, piercings and other degradations against women, and ending with his tying up and strangling his new wife. Terrified of these images, he turns to a doctor who specializes in these problems, but he doesn't know that the doctor has her own kind of "treatment" in mind for him.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes55%
Metacritic58/100
Google Users75%
Director: Arthur VanceGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

In the opulent, yet emotionally sterile, world of 1950s high society, a young, ambitious woman navigates the treacherous waters of love, duty, and societal expectations. She finds herself torn between a passionate but penniless artist and a wealthy, influential suitor who promises security and status. Her choices will determine not only her own fate but also the future of her family's legacy.

Critical Reception

Upon its release, 'Kneel Before Me' was met with mixed reviews, with critics praising its lush cinematography and strong lead performances but often finding the plot predictable and melodramatic. Audiences, however, responded positively to its romantic themes and the emotional weight of the narrative, leading to moderate box office success.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its evocative period detail and visual style.

  • Criticized for its conventional and sometimes overly sentimental storyline.

  • The performances of the lead actors were frequently highlighted as a saving grace.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's romantic storyline and period setting, finding it a compelling and emotional watch. Some viewers felt the plot was a bit too formulaic, but the strong emotional core and lead performances were frequently cited as highlights.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Costume Design at the 1984 Academy Awards.

Fun Fact

The opulent mansion used for the film's primary estate was a real historical landmark, chosen for its authentic 1950s architecture and interiors.

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