Les Bonnes Femmes was released in Paris in 1960. Although considered a box-office failure director Claude Chabrol believes it to be one of his best works. The public was left feeling distraught by the dark portrayal of Paris and by the frank views of men and women relationships. Not to mention the twisted ending left the audience feeling quite uneasy.

            The film begins by introducing four young foolish girls. All in which share the same desire for true love.  The ongoing drive in achieving this one desire is a prominent theme throughout the movie. Rita, the pretty blond, is in constant hope of seeking the approval of her boyfriend’s bourgeois upper class parents. Ginette, the confused beauty, is afraid to show her friends her true love of singing. Going from boy to boy, Jane the free spirit is forever looking for the next best thing to come by and sweep her off her feet. Lastly Jacqueline frail and quiet is the most vulnerable of them all. She falls for what she believes is a handsome mysterious motorcyclist only to find out he is psychopath stalker.

            Influenced by Hitchcock Chabrol throws a curve ball at his audience at the end of his film. Hitchcock was known for his absurd story lines and baffling endings and Chabrol followed a similar mentality. Chabrol portrayed Paris in a unique manner. What is ought to be a beautiful romantic city Chabrol conveyed it dark somber and mundane. In playing into this theme Chabrol shot mostly at night or on overcast days. He was known more for the content of his films then style. He often focused on psychological themes and thrillers and often characterizes his characters as victims of circumstances.  

            Throughout the film the girls’ aspirations are often viewed as a joke and often mocked. Primarily because they appear desperate and over dependent of men. Preoccupied by their own wants and needs they never bother to help one another.