Claire Denis’s Cannibal Crime Drama Raises Questions About True Crime and Femininity

Claire Denis, a French filmmaker known for her uncompromising and visually stunning films, is moving forward with “The Soap Maker”, a cannibal crime drama inspired by the true story of Leonarda Cianciulli. On its surface, this project seems to be another iteration in the true-crime genre that has dominated headlines and screens lately. However, Denis’s involvement raises intriguing questions about the relationship between true crime and femininity.

The recent surge in popularity of true-crime stories on television and in film is evident in shows like “Mindhunter” and “The Act”, which have drawn huge audiences with their dark and sensationalized portrayals of real crimes. These shows often rely on a familiar narrative structure, where the villain is usually male, the victims are women or marginalized groups, and the story is told through the eyes of the investigators or outsiders. This framing reinforces a troubling dynamic: women who commit crimes are seen as aberrations, whereas men are viewed as perpetrators in the context of societal norms.

Denis’s “The Soap Maker” challenges this dynamic by centering on a female serial killer. By drawing attention to Cianciulli’s story, Denis highlights the complexities of femininity and subverts the expectation that women who commit crimes must be mentally ill or socially isolated. Cianciulli’s actions were shocking and disturbing, but they also underscored the ways in which societal expectations can drive individuals to extreme behaviors.

The project has gained traction with producers Sacha Ben Harroche and Ivy Freeman-Attwood on board, alongside lead producer Gerry Pass via his New York-based Chrome Entertainment shingle. CAA is packaging this original work, which will neither be a remake nor an adaptation of the 1977 cult movie “Gran Bollito”.

Denis has built a reputation for making complex and often provocative films that challenge her audiences’ perceptions. With “The Soap Maker”, she is taking on a new theme: the intersection of true crime and femininity. This project raises important questions about how we portray women who commit crimes in our popular culture, and whether it’s possible to create nuanced and empathetic portrayals without sensationalizing or exploiting their stories.

In the context of Denis’s previous work, “The Soap Maker” can be seen as a logical progression from films like “Beau Travail” (1999) and “Trouble Every Day” (2001), both of which explored themes of violence, power, and the human condition. However, this new project also marks a departure for Denis, who has been known to shy away from sensationalized or exploitative storytelling.

Denis is currently editing a film that is part of the Prada-commissioned Miu Miu Women’s Tales short film series, which will be unveiled during the upcoming Venice Film Festival in the Venice Days section. Her recent win at Cannes with the honorary Golden Carriage (Carrosse d’Or) award further solidified her position as a master filmmaker.

As we await Denis’s next feature, it’s worth considering what “The Soap Maker” means for our current cultural landscape. Will it challenge our assumptions about women who commit crimes? Or will it reinforce existing stereotypes and power dynamics? The fact that Denis is taking on this project at all speaks to her willingness to push boundaries and confront uncomfortable truths.

Denis’s involvement with “The Soap Maker” also raises questions about the role of women in true-crime storytelling. As we continue to consume more and more stories about crimes committed by women, it’s essential that we recognize the complexities and nuances involved. By centering on Cianciulli’s story, Denis is not only paying tribute to a fascinating and disturbing figure but also highlighting the ways in which societal expectations can drive individuals to extreme behaviors.

Denis has built a reputation for making complex and often provocative films that challenge her audiences’ perceptions. With “The Soap Maker”, she is taking on a new theme: the intersection of true crime and femininity. This project raises important questions about how we portray women who commit crimes in our popular culture, and whether it’s possible to create nuanced and empathetic portrayals without sensationalizing or exploiting their stories.

Ultimately, “The Soap Maker” has the potential to be a landmark film in the true-crime genre. It will challenge our assumptions about women who commit crimes and push us to think more critically about the power dynamics at play. With Denis at the helm, we can expect a thoughtful and visually stunning portrayal of Cianciulli’s story – one that will leave audiences questioning everything they thought they knew about true crime and femininity.

As the film industry continues to grapple with issues of representation, diversity, and inclusion, “The Soap Maker” offers a timely and provocative contribution to the conversation. By exploring the complexities of femininity through the lens of true crime, Denis is pushing boundaries and challenging us to think more critically about our own assumptions and biases.

With its bold subject matter and high-profile cast, “The Soap Maker” has all the makings of a major event film. But it’s worth remembering that this project is not just another iteration in the true-crime genre – it’s an opportunity for Denis to explore new themes and push the boundaries of what we expect from her films. As we await its release, one thing is certain: “The Soap Maker” will be a film that sparks conversation, challenges our assumptions, and leaves us thinking long after the credits roll.