In the late 1700s, Marianne (Noémie Merlant) arrives on an isolated island in Brittany to paint the portrait of a young woman (Adèle Haenel) who is about to be married off against her will. A thoughtful and passionate portrait of women temporarily sheltered from men, but who still suffer the consequences of their influence; apart from the forced marriage, young Sophie (Luàna Bajrami) needs an abortion, which cannot be performed in a safe way. Lovingly and honestly acted by the two leads, and vividly staged; the abortion scene is ingeniously symbolic. Also interesting as a comment on the nature of representation in art.
2019-France. 121 min. Color. Produced by Bénédicte Couvreur. Written and directed by Céline Sciamma. Cinematography: Claire Mathon. Cast: Noémie Merlant (Marianne), Adèle Haenel (Héloïse), Luàna Bajrami (Sophie), Valeria Golino.
Trivia: Original title: Portrait de la jeune fille en feu.
Cannes: Best Screenplay. European Film Awards: Best Screenwriter.
Last word: “I wanted to make a consoling film. You should reconcile yourself with love stories. There’s a motto in the film, I don’t remember how it’s translated exactly, but it’s ‘don’t regret, remember.’ People are getting tattoos of this. I’m quite happy about that. Like, ‘Oh, that made a difference for me.’ I’m receiving a lot of messages, people saying, ‘I’m more at peace with my romantic past.’” (Sciamma, Indiewire)
