Portrait de la Jeune Fille en Feu (2019)
Portrait of a Lady on Fire
Raiting: 
8,1 /10
Genre: Drama
Director: Céline Sciamma
Stars: Noémie Merlant, Adèle Haenel and Luàna Bajrami
Country: France
Release date: 18 September 2019
Length: 120 minutes
"Portrait de la Jeune Fille en Feu" (2019), directed by Céline Sciamma, is a poignant narrative set in the 18th century on a remote island in Brittany, France. The story revolves around Marianne, a painter commissioned to create a portrait of Héloïse, a young woman who has just left the convent. Héloïse is to be married off to a Milanese nobleman, but she resists her fate by refusing to pose for her wedding portrait. Marianne is thus instructed to observe Héloïse during the day and paint her from memory at night.
As Marianne spends time with Héloïse, pretending to be her walking companion, the two women develop a close bond. Through stolen glances and silent walks along the rugged coastline, an attraction slowly simmers between them. Marianne's initial observation of Héloïse, solely for the purpose of painting her portrait, deepens into a profound connection. This connection allows Marianne to see beyond the surface, capturing Héloïse's essence in the portrait, not just her likeness.
The film masterfully explores themes of forbidden love, memory, and the act of seeing. The developing romance between Marianne and Héloïse stands as a testament to the power of art to reveal truth. As Marianne's secret painting progresses, so does their love, leading to a passionate but doomed affair. The women's relationship is further complicated by the societal constraints of the time, which dictate Héloïse's future and limit the possibility of their union.
Sciamma uses the metaphor of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth to explore the concept of memory and loss. In a pivotal scene, the characters debate the myth, pondering the reasons behind Orpheus's decision to turn back and look at Eurydice, thus losing her forever. This discussion mirrors the film's exploration of the fleeting nature of love and the desire to hold onto moments of beauty, even at the risk of losing them. The painting, once completed, becomes a symbol of their love, a memory frozen in time.
The film culminates in a series of powerful, emotional moments that underscore the intensity of Marianne and Héloïse's relationship. Their time together is cut short by the realities of Héloïse's impending marriage, leaving them with only memories of their brief but profound love. The final scenes of the film, particularly a long, unbroken shot of Héloïse's emotional response to a piece of music, serve as a haunting reminder of their passion and the pain of their separation. "Portrait de la Jeune Fille en Feu" is a visually stunning, emotionally resonant film that lingers long after the final frame, a testament to the enduring power of love and art.
Top cast - Portrait de la Jeune Fille en Feu (2019)
Trailer - Portrait de la Jeune Fille en Feu (2019)
"Portrait de la Jeune Fille en Feu" (2019), directed by Céline Sciamma, is a mesmerizing exploration of desire, memory, and the female gaze. Set in the 18th century, this French historical drama tells the story of Marianne, a painter commissioned to create a wedding portrait of Héloïse, a young woman who has just left the convent. Héloïse is a reluctant bride-to-be, and Marianne must paint her without her knowing, observing her by day and secretly painting her at night. What unfolds is a slow-burning romance that defies the constraints of their time, captured through Sciamma's delicate and precise direction.
The film is a visual masterpiece, with each frame meticulously composed, resembling the very portraits at the heart of the story. Cinematographer Claire Mathon's use of natural light and the rugged Brittany landscape creates a hauntingly beautiful backdrop for the unfolding romance. The isolation of the setting mirrors the secluded world of the two women, allowing their relationship to grow in intensity and depth. Sciamma's decision to focus on the women's gazes, often in close-up, emphasizes the theme of seeing and being seen, a powerful motif that runs throughout the film.
At its core, "Portrait de la Jeune Fille en Feu" is a profound meditation on art and the act of creation. It explores the ways in which art can capture fleeting moments of beauty and emotion, serving as a memory that defies the erosive effects of time. The relationship between Marianne and Héloïse is intrinsically linked to the creative process, with their love both inspiring and being immortalized by Marianne's art. This dynamic is beautifully encapsulated in the film's original French title, which translates to "Portrait of a Lady on Fire," hinting at the passion and intensity that burns between them.
The performances by Noémie Merlant as Marianne and Adèle Haenel as Héloïse are nothing short of remarkable. Both actors convey a deep emotional resonance, bringing to life the unspoken desires and inner turmoil of their characters. Their chemistry is palpable, making their love story all the more compelling and heartbreaking. The film's use of silence and minimal dialogue emphasizes the actors' expressive performances, allowing for a more immersive and intimate viewing experience.
"Portrait de la Jeune Fille en Feu" is a revolutionary film in its depiction of love and female agency. It challenges traditional narratives by centering the story on the women's perspectives, offering a refreshing and necessary portrayal of female desire and autonomy. Sciamma has crafted a timeless piece that transcends its historical setting, making a bold statement about the enduring power of love and art. This film is a must-watch, not only for its breathtaking aesthetics and compelling narrative but for its significant contribution to feminist cinema.