And if you were in any way unsure after one and a half-hour of preening, oiling, and general queerness, there's an interview with Julian Aries, arguably one of the prettiest Dieux. Before the interviewer implies a flirtation with the female artistic director, he's asked: "Is it important that [it] was a woman? For your confidence?" Aries is politely non-committal. Pressing the subject, the interviewer asks whether he strikes the poses in the calendar in everyday life. "I don't normally...[get] on my knees with my ass swept back. No, it's quite unusual."

The real question posed throughout this film has nothing to do with artistic merit, and has everything to do with sexuality. The biggest difference between this and previous instalments is that the players are continually asked, in one way or another, to reaffirm their staunch heterosexuality. Even though Aries and his team mates are never asked directly, the resounding message from Stade Francais is that their players are straight. Got that? They like girls.

Evidently, the content of previous instalments has become something of an embarrassment, and this new Making of the Calendar DVD is positively conservative in its approach. In fact, the emphasis is almost squarely on production, an incredible about-turn, considering last year's glistening boys-in-the-sand spectacular. "Do you think women will like [the calendar?]" an off-camera voice repeatedly asks the pouting, lithe young men. To my mind, this also begs the question of why women would want pictures of naked, well-oiled rugby players, bottoms primed for sodomy, much less a DVD. "Do you think girls find [the positions] sexy?" the interviewer asks Aries. "You should ask them." he modestly replies. "I'm asked to model, and I do it with pleasure." And as for my sexuality, he should have continued, it's none of your goddamn business.

Dieux Du Stade has always been about fun, and this strange, po-faced direction leaves a lot to be desired. Ironic for a sport notorious for the "soggy biscuit game" and team initiations that would make the most hardened leather queen blush. Between shots, a naked players tries to sit between his friend's legs and is hurriedly brushed away, the friend darkly gesturing towards the camera. Strange, considering a mere twelve months ago players were wrestling naked on a beach, indisputably aware they were being filmed and packaged for the gay market.

Overall, it would seem Dieux Du Stade has been spooked by an agenda that has nothing to do with fun, and everything to do with promoting censorship and insecurity in its players.

Paul Kidder

SYNOPSIS/DESCRIPTION

Following the 36 beautifully-photographed black & white images captured for the calendar, this film charts the making of the hottest calendar of 2006, where 43 ultra-athletic French sportsmen appear naked, and lucky make-up artists pamper and prepare them for their close up.

REVIEW

Following the major success of the previous year's DVD, this latest version follows the photo shoot for the 2006 calendar and it is the hottest yet. If you enjoyed the last one this is simply a "must have" for your DVD collection.