“Do you know who I am?” Devereux grunts, towel falling to the floor.

Depardieu’s outright sociopathic turn as George Devereux – the reported simulacrum to 2011’s presumed French presidential candidate, Dominique Strauss-Kahn – is as dynamic as it is vehemently disgusting. Devereux’s deep-seated moral corruption is gloriously mirrored by his excessively satiated physical form. As the unbroken flow of nubile prostitutes come and go, the sinfully engorged diplomat continues his grunting refrain unperturbed, eagerly awaiting his next moment of consumption; be it based in lust, avarice, or gluttony, Devereux lacks both the view and interest for it to matter.

Abel Ferrara’s latest sees Depardieu bare all in the face of sexual assault and what money can buy. Controlling an enigmatic and potent first half, Welcome to New York unfortunately slows in its second, often getting lost in its own rambling justifications.

RATING: 3/5

INFORMATION

CAST: Jacqueline Bisset, Gérard Depardieu, Drena De Niro

DIRECTOR: Abel Ferrara

WRITERS: Abel Ferrara, Christ Zois

SYNOPSIS: After sexually assaulting a maid, a potential candidate for the French presidency faces legal prosecution.