Summer Films
Olive Parker selects 10 films that approach summer hedonism in perverse ways
Olive Parker has chosen 10 summer films that capture the beauty and intensity of a long, hot summer. According to Parker, these films approach summer hedonism in more perverse ways, with some being raunchy and others fascinated by heated glances and the eroticism of a single touch.
Film Selection
Parker's selection includes films like Last Summer, which follows a married lawyer who embarks on an affair with her teenage stepson, and Accident, which turns a languid English summer into a study of sexual rivalry. Other films on the list include Crazed Fruit, a sensational 1956 summer drama, and Claire's Knee, one of Rohmer's most erotic works.
Film Details
The films on Parker's list are diverse, with some being explicit and others more subtle in their portrayal of summer hedonism. For example, Stranger by the Lake is an explicit, sun-soaked gay thriller, while Frivolous Lola is a breezy softcore comedy. The films are set in various locations, including Paris, England, Japan, and Spain, and feature a range of characters and storylines.
Common Themes
Despite their differences, the films on Parker's list share certain common themes, including the exploration of desire, lust, and obsession. Many of the films also feature characters who are on holiday or in a state of limbo, which allows them to explore their desires and transgress societal norms. The films often use the summer setting to create a sense of freedom and abandon, which allows the characters to pursue their desires without restraint.
The films on Parker's list include:
| Film | Release Year | Director |
|---|---|---|
| Last Summer | 2023 | Catherine Breillat |
| Accident | 1967 | Joseph Losey |
| Crazed Fruit | 1956 | Kō Nakahira |
| Claire's Knee | 1970 | Éric Rohmer |
| La Piscine | 1969 | Jacques Deray |
| Stranger by the Lake | 2013 | Alain Guiraudie |
| Jamón Jamón | 1992 | Bigas Luna |
| Je t'aime moi non plus | 1976 | Serge Gainsbourg |
| Frivolous Lola | 1998 | Tinto Brass |
| Wild Things | 1998 | John McNaughton |
Parker's list is a personal selection, and she notes that each film captures the beauty and intensity of a long, hot summer in its own unique way. The films are not only sexy and provocative but also thoughtful and nuanced in their exploration of human desire and relationships. As Parker notes, the films on her list are complex, humane, and beautiful, and they offer a fascinating glimpse into the human experience.
