Watch Brigitte Bardot’s Most Stylish Films
Back in the ’60s, Brigitte Bardot oozed female sexuality all over French Cinema’s face. At a time when women were nothing more than husband slaves, Bardot pranced about (usually semi-nude) doing whatever she wanted even in more reserved countries. Rather than being labelled a whore, Bardot was championed for being a sexual libérée. Although, some people did call her a whore too.
Long blonde hair, dark kohl eyes and pale full lips became her signature look. Her taste in clothes made her a trend setter.
Her image became so iconic that they named a style of neckline after her. Plus, her hair and face have been relentlessly used in YouTube tutorials to push the promotion of makeup products and some uncharismatic millennial’s ego.
Naturally, many young men adored her including Bob Dylan who dedicated one of his first songs to her. She married four times and had one child but found that the traditional role of mother wasn’t for her. She’d rather raise hell than raise children.
And that’s exactly what she did. At the age of 83, Bardot is still a controversial figure. After quitting movies at the peak of her career in the ’70s. She resides in St Tropez, dedicating her life to animal welfare, often getting into trouble for her protests against Halal meat. You can find more shocking facts about Brigitte in this blog post.
Many know her face but haven’t seen her films. If you wanna get to know Miss Bardot a little better, here are six movies that tell you her story.
Best Brigitte Bardot Movies
And God Created Women (Et Dieu… Créa La Femme) By Roger Vadim, 1956
This film gave both director/husband Roger Vadim and Bardot their big break in the movie industry. The young Bardot was crowned a ‘sex kitten’ by playing a young rebel called Juliette. Her nonchalant attitude and the close-ups of her sweaty thighs was enough to make 1950s America climax into their tight capri pants.
The Truth (La Vérité) By Henri-Georges Clouzot, 1960
I think Bardot shows odd her full potential in this film. She shows passion, mystery and the naughty side she’s known for. Although the movie is shot in black and white, you can still see how fabulous her clothes are.
A Very Private Affair (Vie Priveé) By Louis Malle, 1962
This one is a semi-autobiographical film. The story follows a famous woman who is unhappy in her private life. She attempts to have a relationship but her fame gets in the way.
Contempt (Le Mépris) by Jean-Luc Godard, 1963
Jean-Luc Godard is one of the pioneers of the New French Wave Cinema movement. He helped move cinema away from glossy perfection into gritty realism. Contempt takes us behind the curtain of movie production and follows the lives of a playwright and his wife (Bardot). It’s full of raw emotion, tension and aesthetically pleasing sets. It’s the movie equivalent of a Krispy Kreme; looks deliciously sweet and filled with a lot of sauce.
Viva Maria by Louis Malle, 1965
Even though the film is set in the 1800s, Viva Maria inspired more frills and bows trends in the mid-1960s. Bardot stars opposite Jeanne Moreau and together they make a revolution look like a catwalk.
Two Weeks In September (A Coeur Joie) By Serge Bourguignon, 1967
By 1967, Bardot managed to bag her first English Speaking film. The French vixen headed to the streets of London to play the part of a conflicted lover. Although at times the dialogue is more sickly than a Danielle Steel novel, Two Weeks In September is a stylish showcase of Bardot’s journey as an actress soundtracked by none other than David Gilmour before he joined Pink Floyd.
The Bear & The Doll (L’Ors Et La Poupée) By Michel Deville, 1970
Just in case you didn’t know by now, Bardot’s style is timeless. I challenge you to find a photo of her during the ’60s & ’70s wearing something hideous. Those looking for style inspiration will find it in The Bear & The Doll. Bardot maintains her role as the sex kitten and pursues an unsuspecting musician. Though if you behaved like this in real life, you would be branded a stalker.
Don Juan, Or If Don Juan Were A Woman (Don Juan Ou Si Don Juan Était Une Femme…) By Roger Vadim, 1973
After two decades of films, Bardot had grown from sex kitten to sex cougar. At almost 40, Bardot reunited with ex-husband Roger Vadim for their fifth film together. In her penultimate movie, Bardot comes full circle with a role that seems like a more intelligent, more cunning version of Juliette in And God Created Women. Once again, Bardot challenges the patriarchy and empowers women to be sexually free. Something legendary at a time when men were literally ripping the seams in the crotches of their capris over the slightest hint of thigh.
Which Bardot movie are you going to watch first? Let me know in the comments below!
P.S. Don’t forget to share this post with other Bardot fans! They’ll love you for it.
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1 comment
My favourite is the truth! She’s so good in that xxx