What Every Frenchwoman Wants

Main Plot

"What Every Frenchwoman Wants," directed by Gianfranco Mingozzi, is a coming-of-age film set in early 20th-century rural France. The story follows a young boy named Roger who is on the cusp of adolescence. As he navigates his burgeoning sexual curiosity, he becomes increasingly fascinated by the women around him, including his aunt and the household maid. Roger's journey is marked by a series of erotic encounters and voyeuristic episodes that serve as rites of passage. The film explores themes of sexual awakening, desire, and the complexities of human relationships, all set against the backdrop of a conservative society. Through Roger's eyes, the audience experiences the tension between innocence and the awakening of adult desires.

Characters

• Serena Grandi plays the character of Angela, a seductive and experienced woman who becomes the object of a young boy's sexual awakening and fantasies.
• Claudine Auger plays Madame Muller, a seductive and experienced woman who becomes the object of a young boy's sexual awakening and education.
• Marina Vlady plays Ursula, a seductive and experienced woman who introduces the young protagonist to the complexities of love and desire, significantly influencing his coming-of-age journey.

Ending Explained

'What Every Frenchwoman Wants' concludes with the protagonist, Roger, reaching a point of sexual and emotional maturity. Throughout the film, Roger embarks on a journey of sexual discovery, driven by his curiosity and the liberal attitudes of the women around him. By the end, Roger has numerous encounters that shape his understanding of love and desire. The climax of the film sees Roger finally consummating his relationship with his cousin, Jacqueline, who has been a central figure in his fantasies. This act symbolizes Roger's transition from adolescence into adulthood. The film closes with Roger reflecting on his experiences, suggesting a newfound awareness and appreciation for the complexities of relationships and sexuality. The conclusion underscores the film's exploration of youthful curiosity and the rites of passage associated with sexual awakening. It leaves Roger at a crossroads, having gained a deeper insight into the nature of desire, yet still on the cusp of further personal growth. This ending encapsulates the film's themes of discovery, maturation, and the bittersweet nature of first loves and experiences.