Ah – the French …

Why is it that so many foreigners view the French as a superbly sexy – if not even promiscuous and immoral – nation? Whether this is true or not, I’ve always had a fondness for French porn – and these days there is one studio in particular that stands out: Marc Dorcel.

Founded in 1979 by the eponymous Marc Dorcel (born Marcel Herskovits), the company has always produced porn films that on one hand were pretty mainstream (simple plots stringing together as many sex scenes as possible) and on the other hand often had this special je ne sais quoi: Though often rooted in everyday realism, incorporation elements of domination, submisson, fetishism and exhibitionism.

These days, Dorcel is a huge industry, run by the founder’s son, Grégory Herskovits. They employ some of the most beautiful and sexiest stars in porn today (Melissa Lauren, Jade Laroche) and produce many films of quite stunning quality, combining sexual, a touch of kink, and excellent cinematography – often directed by the very talented and award-winning Hervé Bodilis.

If you like a taste of Dorcel, you may start with one of the films in the “Pornochic” series – each showcasing a particular female star (Melissa Lauren and Tarra White are among my favourites). For a kinky touch of voyeurism/exhibitionism, the “Luxure” series is a good choice (the title “My Wife Fucked by Others” will give you a hint of what’s in store). And of course, if like me you find beautiful air hostesses irresistible, the “Dorcel Airlines” series is just what you’re looking for.

Of course, with an output as large as Dorcel’s, some films are bound to be better than others. But at their best, they manage to present scenes of scorching hot lust in a setting of elegance and beauty – all probably very French. And if there’s such a thing as “couples-friendly”, I would definitely apply it to the Marc Dorcel films – they all celebrate human sensuality without ever toying with misoginyst tropes.