For a change, the Gérard Depardieu whom we meet in Maîtresse is relatively normal; it is the world around him which has gone slightly mad. Looking for a measure of affection and companionship, Olivier (Depardieu) crosses the path of the lovely Ariane (Bulle Ogier). She happens to be a professional dominatrix-and from the evidence were presented, shes one of the most accomplished of her ilk. How this mismatched (to put it mildly) relationship can possibly work is the core of Maîtresse. There is nothing remotely pornographic about the film, though it obviously is not for the young or impressionable. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide