And God Created Woman (Film)
"And God Created Woman" is a film directed by Roger Vadim, released in Paris on November 28, 1956. The film stars Brigitte Bardot, who was also Vadim's wife at the time, and it played a significant role in establishing her as an international sex symbol. The film features a narrative that intertwines themes of bold sexuality and personal freedom, which sparked considerable controversy upon its release. French censors were initially concerned about the film's erotic content, but the controversy ultimately contributed to its international success.
Shot on location in Saint-Tropez, the film's provocative nature led Vadim to create alternate versions to gain access to the American market. Despite being well-received in many English-speaking countries, "And God Created Woman" faced legal challenges in Philadelphia, where it was temporarily deemed to violate obscenity laws. However, a court ruling eventually allowed the film to be exhibited, reinforcing its cultural significance during the 1950s. While the film's plot has been critiqued as flawed, Bardot's performance remains a key highlight, embodying the audacious spirit of the era.
And God Created Woman (Film)
Type of work: Film
Released: 1956 (France); 1957 (United States)
Director: Roger Vadim (1928- )
Subject matter: A young French woman rebels against the sexual conventions of her village
Significance: The sexual attitudes expressed in the film broke ground for future French films
Roger Vadim was only twenty-eight years old when he directed And God Created Woman. He had married the film’s star, Brigitte Bardot, in 1952, and had contributed dialogue to a number of undistinguished films in which she appeared. Vadim had received financial backing for his directorial debut in 1955 with the help of the film’s producer Raoul Lévy. The screenplay was written by Vadim and Lévy. Released in Paris on November 28, 1956, the film instantly became the center of controversy. French censors had to be convinced that the eroticism of And God Created Woman was not too blatant for French audiences. The controversy surrounding the film helped it to become an international success.
Shot on location in Saint-Tropez, And God Created Woman launched Bardot as an international sex symbol. While the plot of the film is flawed, it is undeniable that Bardot’s bold and reckless sexuality makes the film remarkable. To ensure that the film could enter the United States, Vadim shot alternate versions of some of its most provocative scenes. And God Created Woman was a major success in English-speaking countries, especially the United States. Even though the film had no trouble being exhibited in a number of American locations, it ran into legal difficulties in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In 1958 Philadelphia’s assistant district attorney stated that the film violated a state obscenity law. It was later determined by the state’s supreme court that he had overstepped his jurisdiction. Eventually, the distributor of the film argued before the court of equity that And God Created Woman rightfully should be exhibited in Philadelphia because it already had been found legal by U.S. Customs authorities and that it had been shown in numerous other American locations.