Heading South

Filmmaker Laurent Cantet weaves a dark, disturbing story of hedonism, casual racism, and the lethal consequences of self-indulgence in this superb drama set in Haiti during the late 1970s revolving around an isolated beach resort populated by American and Canadian women (of what can charitably be described as “a certain age”) who enjoy pay-for-play adoration from local muscular men. In a decided twist, the men are the victims here, making a living as high-ticket prostitutes since there is no other work in poverty-stricken Haiti. Crowning this harsh film is the extraordinary performance by Charlotte Rampling as Ellen, the reigning diva of the white woman brigade at the resort, an astonishing character who is equal parts bitch and victim—quick with the caustic remark but who crumbles like a house of cards when a blast of real life rocks her world (her monologue on the disappointment of her career and the magic that her Haitian summers provide, is a masterwork of emotion). Highly recommended. (P. Hall)