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Mix the sexual manipulations of "Dangerous Liaisons" with the saucy excesses of "Quills" and you might have some idea what to expect from Gabriel Aghion's colourful costume romp, which sets the production of the first encyclopaedia against a backdrop of rampant sex, hedonism, and perversion.
In 18th century France, the State in alliance with the Church has forbidden the publication and distribution of Diderot's Encyclopaedia. Not to be deterred, its incorrigibly promiscuous author (Vincent Perez) hides out with some friends at Baron d'Holbach's country chateau, where he oversees the underground printing of his work.
With a suspicious wife, numerous mistresses and a daughter keen to begin her own sensual explorations, it is hardly surprising that Diderot is struggling to complete an entry on morality. Further complications ensue with the arrival of the mysterious Madame Therbouche (Fanny Ardant) and the Baron's sententious brother the Cardinal (Michel Serrault), both of whom are determined to locate and destroy Diderot's printing press.
Like some Gallic "Carry On" comedy, Aghion's exuberant picture leaves no sexual equation uncovered. Oral sex, gay threesomes, lesbian couplings and mute African eunuchs all feature in a relentlessly puerile series of knob gags, innuendos and smutty exchanges, made all the more bizarre by the elegant period setting.
Perez and Ardant somehow manage to keep a straight face, but it is Josiane Balasko's insatiable baroness who creates the most memorable impression. She's the sort of person who, when told she acts like a rutting she-cat, would probably take it as a compliment.
"Le Libertin" is released in cinemas on 25th May 2001.
