Based on the semi-autobiographical novel of the same name by Henry Miller, Quiet Days in Clichy is a controversial film that explores the sexual liberation of a young American writer named Joey (played by Paul Valjean) and his friend Carl (played by Wayne Rodda) in Paris during the 1930s. Both men are struggling to make a name for themselves in the literary world, while also indulging in a variety of sexual encounters with women they meet along the way.
The film is adapted by the notorious director, Jens Jørgen Thorsen, who infuses the story with erotic scenes that were considered scandalous at the time of its release in 1970. The movie focuses on Joey's relationship with the young prostitute, Colette (played by Ulla Björnberg), as well as his sexual encounters with a variety of women, including an older woman named Madame Benoit (played by Monique Gabrielle).
Despite the explicit nature of the film, Quiet Days in Clichy also explores themes of creativity, friendship, and love. Joey and Carl struggle to find success as writers, and their bond is tested as they navigate the often complicated relationships they have with the women in their lives. The film serves as a snapshot of a specific time and place in history, offering a unique insight into the bohemian lifestyle of Paris during the 1930s.
Controversial and provocative, Quiet Days in Clichy is not for everyone, but it remains a significant film in the canon of erotic cinema and is a fascinating look at the life of one of America's most renowned writers.