Cosmo Liveti's Big-Budget 'Candaulisme, Mon Amore' Hits Broadcast

PARIS—Director Cosmo Liveti follows up his multiple AVN Award-nominated epic Sicalipsis with new big-budget feature Candaulisme, Mon Amour, produced in partnership with alternative French publication Union Mag and broadcasting during June on premium TV channel Canal+. Shot in Saint Tropez, the movie is described as a psychological drama exploring the fetish of candaulism, which is the practice of exposing ones partner to others for their voyeuristic enjoyment. Joss Lescaf and up-and-comer Clara Mia star as a husband and wife whose secret desires get uncovered through sessions with psychoanalyst Chantal, played by Lolly Glam. "Exploring candaulism was a really good exercise in itself," Liveti said. "I didn't believe candaulism is only the 'cuckold fetish,' the action of 'exchanging partners,' even if this is a prerequisite." He continued, "I wanted to touch and explore the omnipotence of the point of view, that can be seen in cinema gurus' work like Brian De Palma. The rawness, exuberance and pleasure to push the limits is leading this work. I wanted to surprise the viewers as much as possible, as far as possible. I wanted that sex would be the universal question and the universal answer." In addition to providing insight on the complex emotional dynamics of candaulism, the movie delves into the notions of love addiction, psychological domination and submission. Commented Lescaf, "This is the first time I get such a deep serious role. To be the husband, responsible and victim at the same time of his wife's sexual impulses, was a very complex role to take on. But I think the acting coaching done by the team was very efficient." Liveti said he chose Mia for the lead female role after working with her on a project for SINematica.com earlier this year. "When I met Clara for the first time, I immediately thought about Manara, the famous Italian illustrator and artist," the director recalled. "The camera loves her, and she becomes the picture. Her magnetism is so strong that we can wonder if we are watching her, or if she stares and paralyzes us in a voyeur position. I enjoy those 'bigger than life' girls." Agreed the movie's direoctor of photography, "She acts like a real actress, and she is so easily able to metamorphose herself into the character she has to play. Wow, I'm still dazzled." "I wanted to shoot her in front of the sea, facing the natural elements," Liveti continued. "With her, all becomes timeless, her beauty is more powerful than everything else, like was Brigitte Bardot in Vadim's work. When Clara was walking naked on the beach, everybody was silent. In the universe, it was only her and the sea." Co-star Lescaf sang Mia's praises as well, adding, "At first sight, a petite tattooed teen. Then, she started to play her role with such an accuracy that I was wondering where she learned this. I never saw this in the business. And furthermore, she has an incredible sexual energy. For me, Clara Mia is THE French revelation of the last 10 years!" Candaulisme, Mon Amour made its debut on Canal+ June 5, and is available via the Canal+ VOD platform throughout the month.