The Dreamers: Eva Green’s Controversial Debut

By fypfeed| Movies & TV | 16 June 2025

In the moment that Eva Green first appeared on screen in the movie from 2003, The Dreamers It was hard to have imagined the amount of discussion it would elicit. Nearly two years later, the film remains among the most talked about NC-17 films of the 21st century not just because of its sexually explicit content, but also for its stunning visual storytelling and examination of youth, the politics of intimacy and.

For some, it’s an enthralling work of art which combines eroticism and history. Others find it an unsettling depiction that is into the realm of taboo. But, despite this division the audience continues to praise it as one of the “must-watch”.

A Film That Tested Boundaries

The film was released in 2003. The Dreamers immediately was a hit with its NCR-17 classification for the United States — a rating reserved for films that contain excessive violence, explicit sexual or pornographic content. In this instance it was the latter. The film doesn’t abstain from total nakedness sexually explicit scenes and even a controversial subplot involving incest.

However, instead of being considered a victim of the system the film has been described by critics as an important artistic achievement. A large part of this is due to the director. Bertolucci who was already a well-known filmmaker with films such as The Last Tango at Paris in Paris and the film The Last Emperor, was also no film-maker who was not afraid to push the boundaries of cinema. In “The Dreamers the director weaved eroticism within a historical and cultural context, linking the personal experiences of the characters with the radical spirit of Paris in 1968.

The Storyline

The story is set during the student riots that took place in Paris The story is based on Matthew (Michael Pitt) who is an American exchange student who meets French twins Isabelle (Eva Green) and Theo (Louis Garrel). They are bonded by their love of cinema, they grow unbreakable, escaping to a world of movies and politics. They also end up in sexual exploration.

The synopsis itself suggests the darker twists to follow. As the parents of twins depart for one month, they invite Matthew to join them. What starts out as a fun relationship soon becomes a tense exploration of love, boundaries and a blurred identity.

The main element that adds to the shock factor of The Dreamers is the explicit manner in which these issues are dealt with. From a scene in the kitchen where Eva Green’s character is forced to lose her virginity to sly sequences of intimacy between siblings, The Dreamers does not leave any detail unnoticed.

Eva Green’s Bold Introduction

In the case of Eva Green, The Dreamers was her film debut – an initial role that instantly brought her to the forefront of attention around the world. Today, she is known for her role on screen as Vesper Lynd from The James Bond film Casino Royale (2006), Green has often thought about the awe-inspiring experience.

“This was my first big part,” she said in interviews later on, “and it was also my first time to shoot sex scenes. I was scared however, Bertolucci helped me feel secure. But, it’s important to remember it.”

The performance was praised by the public by critics, who pointed her talent to portray both boldness and innocence simultaneously.

Two Versions, One Debate

The film comes in two different versions that include the complete NC-17 cut and a smaller version that has around 3 minutes cut off. While the differences aren’t too significant but they are a reflection of the uncomfortable relationship Hollywood has always had in relation to the classification NC-17.

The renowned journalist Roger Ebert addressed this controversy front-and-center and wrote:

“So in disrepute is the rating NC-17 the fact that Fox Searchlight at first thought to alter the film for an R however, why would they want to release the Bertolucci film other than in the way he created it? The sexual content invokes the time and location.”

Ebert said his argument The Dreamers represented exactly the kind of film that merited the “adults only” rating without being classified as pornography.

Divided Audiences

This film always provoked intense debate. According to Rotten Tomatoes, it’s ranked at 59% for critics, with mixed reviews — however it is a better 78% rating with the general public. Some people feel that the incest subplot can be too uncomfortable. Some people find the sexy beauty surpasses the discomfort.

A Reddit user expressed praise for the film’s visual quality and wrote:

“The factor that captivated me was its beauty. Bertolucci creates beauty as a central element of the plot. Where other directors would see it in stark landscapes or in violent scenes in other films, this one weaves it in every shot.”

Other reviewers were not as impressed. One reviewer described it as

“Erotic and somewhat artistic, but most of the time cringy!”

But, glowing reviews of fans remain abundant. One user on Instagram wrote:

“The Dreamers (2003). Dir. Bernardo Bertolucci. It’s a must-see!”

A different viewer, who was writing more reflectively wrote about it as:

“In just about two hours this film gave me the impression that I was inside their lives for a very long duration. It’s not something I often experience from other films.”

The Aesthetic of Beauty

The film’s lasting popularity lies in its style and feeling. The film is shot with beautiful lighting that is almost painterly, The Dreamers often makes reference to the history of cinema, including nods towards French New Wave classics to remakes of classic scenes.

Bertolucci, Italian by birth but heavily influenced in his work by French filmmaking, created the film with a deliberate grace. While other directors might have focused on the shock factor, Bertolucci sought to wrap even the most provocative scenes in an atmosphere of artistic beauty.

One reviewer on the internet stated:

“This is a fantastic film. Anyone who hasn’t yet seen it should.”

A Legacy of Controversy

Even now, The Dreamers remains a controversial title. Film buffs consider it a masterpiece, blending young rebellion and sexual freedom. Some argue that it is a satirical attempt at exploitation of taboo subjects, without providing enough depth to the story.

It’s not difficult to see its impact for the career of many starsin particular Eva Green, who has been an one of the world’s famous actors. For Eva Green, The Dreamers was both a test and a way to get started.

Conclusion

Cinema thrives when it is in the midst of debate. Films that push viewers beyond their comfortable zones are seldom overlooked, even when they cause a divide in opinion. The Dreamers serves as an illustration of how beauty and humour can coexist, but they’re not without consequences.

Many feel that the film’s eroticism can be separated from its artistic merits. For others, the discomfort is a hindrance to the film’s achievements. Even after over a quarter of a century later it is still a favorite for fans who come back to it, continue to debate about it, and say it’s an “must-watch”.

One fan:

“An unquestionably French classic. From beginning to the end it will leave you a lasting impression.”