The theme in this film is indeed the exploration of freedom versus control. Marquis de Sade is perfect for the theme. His ideas have endured the test of time, probably because they are so refreshing in times of tight governmental and religious control. It often takes an outspoken person on the fringe to offset the controlling other side of things. He who represented freedom was silenced by the controlling ruling class.

Government and religious oppression has never been as compelling as the ideas of the oppressed. Yes, yes, I know I will get emails from those who can not understand why I would give Marquis de Sade any form of credit at all. But I do. Unless we can allow dissent and the free flow of ideas and opinion, we can not be a free society. But more than that, the Marquis did have some thoughts worthy of your attention. Here are a few:

“You say that my way of thinking cannot be tolerated? What of it? The man who alters his way of thinking to suit others is a fool. My way of thinking is the result of my reflections. It is part of my inner being, the way I am made. I do not contradict them, and would not even if I wished to. For my system, which you disapprove of, is also my greatest comfort in life, the source of all my happiness --- it means more to me than my life itself.”--Marquis de Sade

“To judge from the notions expounded by theologians, one must conclude that God created most men simply with a view to crowding hell.”--Marquis de Sade

“Has not Nature proved, in giving us the strength necessary to submit them to our desires, that we have the right to do so?”--Marquis de Sade

“Will it not be felt that Virtue, however beautiful, becomes the worst of all attitudes when it is found too feeble to contend with Vice.”--Marquis de Sade

“Social order at the expense of liberty is hardly a bargain.”--Marquis de Sade

The King James Bible also has some interesting things to say about the issue of Freedom and Liberty:

• found in obeying God.  Genesis 3:5
• often results from being trustworthy.  Genesis 50:5
• finding freedom from sin.  Leviticus 26:13; Galatians 5:13
• finding freedom within God’s boundaries.  Psalm 31:8
• salvation is freedom from sin and death.  Psalm 68:19-21
• why sin doesn’t offer it.  Lament. 1:14
• Jesus’ truth sets us free.  John 8:32; Galatians 5:1
• given us by Jesus’ death.  Luke 23:18-19 [2nd note]
• finding the freedom to obey.  Romans 5:20
• don’t let yours cause weaker Christians to stumble.  Romans 14:13; 1 Cor. 10:23-24
• what Christian freedom is all about.  1 Cor. 8:10-13; 2 Peter 2:19
• abusing Christian freedom.  1 Cor. 6:12-13 [2nd note]
• how being a slave to Christ gives us freedom.  1 Cor. 7:23; Galatians 6:18