Bloody Current Exchange (2007)

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On the surface, this brief film shows us a tryst between a prostitute and her client, until the not-so-surprising ending, when the title seems to make more sense.

Vincent (well-known French actor Philippe Nahon) talks to an unseen person on the phone, ordering a prostitute; his seventh acquisition as of late. The beautiful Fanny (Emma Pick) arrives and the couple uncork some champagne, although Fanny refuses to drink since she has other clients to attend to. Vincent makes an off-the-cuff remark when they meet, saying he likes to remember the women he sleeps with, and the two get down to their business.

While the direction is fine, and the editing by helmer Romain Basset and Mathieu Berthon are top-notch, the film's biggest positive is it's cinematography. The brown color in the beginning of the films, maybe marking Vincent's dull existence, give way to blues and reds when the couple goes to bed. There is nudity here, but it is not very erotic when lit so darkly. The cast is good, I liked their pre-coital interplay- two prostitution veterans who don't have to try to impress each other. The final twist in the story feels a bit jokey, and if you are paying attention during the film's massive eleven minute running time, you might pick up on it. Why else would Basset show you this scene in these two people's lives?

"Bloody Current Exchange" is on a Blu-ray disc with Basset's feature film debut "Horsehead," and I recommend it based on style alone.

Stats:
(2007) 11 min. (* * * *) out of five stars
-Written and Directed by Romain Basset
-Cast: Philippe Nahon, Emma Pick
(Unrated)