Portrait of a Lady on Fire
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Director: Céline Sciamma Distributed by: Pyramide Films 2019 |
This film tells the story of Marianne, a painter, who is commissioned to paint the wedding portrait of Héloïse, a reluctant bride-to-be. Set in 1770s France, Marianne's mission is secret: Héloïse refuses to sit for a portrait, knowing that upon its completion she will effectively be sold into marriage. Marianne must therefore observe her, under the guise of being her companion; and paint the portrait secretly.
Beautiful cinematography and allegorical storytelling come together in a film that not only addresses women's role in society in the 18th century, but women's role in film in the 21st.
The biggest appeal elements are without a doubt the characters - they're interesting, and at times even confusing - they're real. Made with the intention of dismantling the "male gaze", this film tells a beautiful, visual story of women helping one another, of women protecting each other, and of course, of women loving other women.
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