Film review: Brigitte Bardot dans ‘Et Dieu … crea la femme’ (‘And God Created Woman’) 1956

Brigitte Bardot with Jean-Louis Trintignant in ‘And God Created Woman’, 1956. Photo: Criterion Collection

A French film and young star that caused a worldwide sensation - almost anon becoming the most successful foreign-language film in the United States up to that time - I, in mine own person, do not find Roger Vadim’s 1956 blockbuster 'And God Created Woman' to be an enjoyable experience. Its plot is shallow and, at times, convoluted, and grows increasingly tiresome as the film progresses.

While undeniably and exceptionally attractive, the character of 18-year-old Juliette Hardy is an entirely unsympathetic, spoiled brat. Granted, the film's central theme revolves around the character's arrogance and sense of entitlement, but it is laid on quite thick. If only the writers had provided us with a genuine protagonist to engage with. Instead, every supporting character presented here - aside from, perhaps, the pet rabbit - comes across as utterly impossible to root for, most merely appearing as hopeless and pathetic dupes for a young woman 'made to destroy men'. 

Verily, my lack of enjoyment of this movie stems from being a jaded and cynical 46-year-old man who recognises that many fair appearances mask darker truths beneath. Lord knows, I am excessively weary of witnessing individuals ensnared by ancient deceits and timeless falsehoods, thusly shaping my outlook on the world. Yet, despite my reservations, at certain junctures this movie gives the impression that its sole intent was to flaunt Brigitte Bardot’s body in its zenith. Had the producers not bothered with any pretense of a plot, I would not voice grievance. In her time, this lady was historically stunning eye candy, but we have countless images documenting her unearthly eroticism and allure. Spending any length of time with this movie will only convince one that beauty is skin deep and often serves as a mere facade masking inner ugliness.

Alas, that would seem to be precisely the larger point Roger Vadim and the producers may have been going for, and in this they do succeed, but excessively so. ‘And God Created Woman’ is a film that possesses one notable merit: Brigitte Bardot selling her sensuality as few women who have ever graced the stage and screen have accomplished. Ultimately, howbeit, one is left feeling flat and not particularly enamoured with humanity in general by the end of its 91 minutes.

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