Movie Number 31 of 2024
The Movie: Bonnard: Pierre et Marthe
The Cinema: Palace Cinemas, The Kino
Stars: 4.5
Yes. Another French film.
And this one, despite being a little slow, is an absolute cracker.
Marthe de Méligny (Cecile de France) and the famous French painter Pierre Bonnard's (Vincent Macaigne) complex relationship is explored in the biographical drama Bonnard, Pierre & Marthe. The story follows the creative and romantic relationship between the two over the course of fifty years, illuminating how Bonnard used Marthe as a model for many of his most lauded pieces. Set against the background of early 20th-century France, the story develops through pivotal points in their lives, capturing the spirit of their love.
The standout performances of the film are definitely Cécile de France's Marthe and Vincent Macaigne's Bonnard. Bonnard is showed by Macaigne as a kind soul torn between his creative aspirations and the intricacies of his relationship with Marthe; Macaigne gives him a relaxed, warm charm. However, the dynamic between Marthe and De France is riveting because De France personifies Marthe's ferocious and even aggressive personality. In scenes where Bonnard's work shows how Marthe's influence on him is apparent, demonstrating how his creativity is driven by their personal struggles, their chemistry is palpable.
Within this two hours we get to see Bonnard's art and process. It was fascinating to watch as the paintings were developed as life went on around them. You also meet some of the luminaries of the time, including Claude Monet.
But this is a film which keeps its focus on the couple and their ever-changing relationship, even when Pierre leave to marry his mistress, Renee (Stacy Martin), in Rome.
Cinematographer Guillaume Schiffman does a masterful job capturing the intimate moments and undulating landscapes that make up Bonnard's universe. Its colour scheme is eye-catching and reminiscent of Bonnard's vivid paintings. Composer Michael Galasso's score adds a beautiful, wistful undercurrent to the images, heightening the narrative's emotional impact.
This is a gorgeous film. It's coming to the end of its run and is playing in the arthouse cinemas. It's definitely worth a look.
No comments:
Post a Comment