Bardot had achieved international stardom when Vadim directed her in the 1956 film And God Created Woman.

Back at her residence, Jeanne talks with Léporella, her secretary, about inheriting her father's wealth after he died of a heart attack.

She believes she is the reincarnation of Don Juan and prides herself in the destruction of men who have fallen for her charms.

At an archery competition, Jeanne and Paul watch Pierre Gonzagues, a magistrate, win the championship.

Pierre drives Jeanne home where as a married man, he states he has had adulterous affairs.

Angered at his rejection, Jeanne schemes to trap Pierre in a scandal, in which she invites him to a secluded mansion on an island near Sweden.

In London, Louis finds Jeanne and Clara in bed together, in which he hopes to engage in a ménage à trois.

Vadim said in an interview after the film came out: My attitude to women is accepted today in a way that it wasn't when I started out as director.

But today women overreact – they pretend to be free on an intellectual and sexual level but because of our Christian traditions sex is always associated with guilt.

Underneath what people call "the Bardot myth" was something interesting, even though she was never considered the most professional actress in the world.

For years, since she has been growing older, and the Bardot myth has become just a souvenir, I wanted to work with Brigitte.

Brigitte always gave the impression of sexual freedom – she is a completely open and free person, without any aggression.

"I was interested in the idea of seduction, not what happened in bed – though I would love to make a documentary on how they fucked.

"[2] Jane Birkin plays the role of a woman who falls in love with Brigitte Bardot's character.

[6] David Thomson, in his Biographical History of Film, felt that there was "awful sadness" in Bardot's appearance.