Dirk Bogarde was a terrific choice to play Max, as he always injected a good amount of cynicism into the characters he played, I really can't think of another actor who could have elevated the film to the level of eroticism and strangeness if not for the casting of Dirk Bogarde, of course having Charlotte Rampling couldn't hurt. But overall I was left with a sense of disappointment after finished watching. Although it's a fascinating film, and in some levels I was touched strangely enough, as I felt that there was real tenderness and connection between the main characters, sick as their relationship was, but I was still left with a feeling of that it is a very imperfect film with many flaws. It's worth watching though, I think, there's something quite haunting about it. Again, one of the successful elements of the film was the casting of Dirk Bogarde.