“Is love gifting each other our solitudes?”
In director Marcela Lordy’s erotic drama The Book of Delights, based on the novel by Brazilian author Clarice Lispector, schoolteacher Lóri (Simone Spoladore) doesn’t know how to be with other people—but nor is she able to draw comfort from solitude.
Once, she traveled the world with her mother. It was a pure kind of liberty to always have each other for company and never be tied down. Lori seeks this kind of freedom again when she moves to Rio de Janeiro to teach primary school following her mother’s death. Freedom from the overbearing men in her family, at least, who would like to see her get married and settle down.
As the film plays out, Lóri seeks one sexual partner after another but dodges deeper connections. She knows what she doesn’t want, if not what she wants. But that freedom she’s long been searching for hasn’t taken the shape she hoped for.
Beautiful cinematography from Diego Garc takes careful and gentle regard of its subject, approaching Lóri slowly and from cautious angles, treating her like she is: easily spooked, and ready to bolt at the first sign that someone might see her. Argentine philosophy professor Ulisses (Javier Drolas) takes an interest in her. As the two develop a relationship over philosophy and existentialism, an untraditional love story takes shape. Ulisses is not the man who fills what’s missing in Lóri’s life but catalyzes Lóri’s exploration of her relationships with herself, her mother, and the world around her.
Spoladore has a seductive and haunting presence in Marcela Lordy’s erotic drama. If parts are too quickly resolved and on the nose with their message, the quieter parts of the film speak loudly, allowing Spoladore to shine through a profound yet understated script.
Ultimately, The Book of Delights is a beautiful treatise on pleasure and relationship, one that makes demands of the growth of its characters but doesn’t box them into societal expectations. Freedom does take shape for Lóri—and it looks like both the passionate and the mundane. Highly recommended for public libraries, especially for patrons interested in international films, dramas, and romance.
What kind of film collection would this title be suitable for?
As an adaptation of Brazilian author Claire Lispector’s book, Marcela Lordy’s erotic drama should find its place in film collections of movies based on novels. The Book of Delights would also be an excellent addition to Brazilian-Portuguese film collections.
Does this film have Public Performance Rights available?
Yes, The Book of Delights has public performance rights available for a cost of $350.00.
Would this film be suitable for a public screening?
While the mature nature of this erotic drama makes it an inappropriate choice for most public screenings, the film is sure to spark discussion and should be considered for private film club screenings.