Marquis(1989)

A bizarre tale of sex, lust, and the French Revolution

Marquis is a provocative French satirical film set on the eve of revolution. The Marquis de Sade and his anthropomorphic penis, Colin, languish in the Bastille awaiting trial for sedition. While Marquis pursues his writing, Colin craves adventure, and together the unlikely pair attract the attention of rival political factions vying for their allegiance. This absurdist dark comedy uses graphic surrealism and crude humor to explore themes of freedom, desire, and the chaos of revolutionary politics. The film's outrageous premise—a talking phallus as co-protagonist—serves as both satire and philosophical commentary on bodily autonomy and intellectual resistance. Marquis blends historical setting with fantastical elements to create a uniquely transgressive portrait of one of history's most controversial figures.