Finally caught this 2019 French masterpiece on the big screen and it was fantastic! Absolutely a Romantic Tragic masterpiece by Céline Sciamma. Gorgeously shot, complexly written in its simplicity and emotionally resonant acting from its two leads. Sciamma told a love story that was so simple yet expressed so much of the complexity of human nature and emotions. The truth and the authenticity within these 120 minutes were unvarnished and honest, which made it so unapologetic brutal, heart wrenching but yet touching and even just a tad hopeful.
Sciamma's direction was simple and the female point of view - and gaze - throughout the whole film allowed the film to standout for its fresh take on perhaps a trite, stereotypical genre - the period, lesbian film. The stark contrast between this and Frances Lee Ammonite was obvious. Where Lee's was cold and brooding, with Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan seemingly falling in love, Sciamma's Portrait was that of a slow simmering flame that eventually reached a feverish boil until it flowed over and extinguished the flame in a burst of steam and sizzle.
Sciamma's decision not to employ any music throughout the film was a risky move in the beginning. Although its reason was thematically clear, it did not pay off till almost the end of the second act. But, boy, did it pay off huge. That moment brought tears. It felt like a lifetime of emotions were culminated and released. Brilliant, brilliant sequence and scene. Then we had the final scene, scored to - of course - Vivaldi's Summer (the relevance to the film was simple yet touching) that just wrecked the soul.
Just like how Vivaldi's Summer was a beautiful example of how Sciamma's screenplay echoed back and forth, there were also many other instances of call-backs throughout the film. Foreshadowing were used simply and not heavy handedly, and loose-ends tied up neatly but never contrived. Even the oft over-used metaphor of the Greek legend Orpheus and Eurydice was given a gentle new spin and reading, that haunted and hurt.
Kudos to Noémie Meriant and Adèle Haenel for bringing Sciamma's two leads to life. Other than Sciamma's thoughtful direction and brilliant screenplay, this film truly hinged on their performances. The gradual development of their relationship felt genuine and organic, and even then it felt honest. Sciamma captured their moments with an honesty that was breath-taking and that really anchored the film, providing it with an emotional weight that pulled the audience in and down and over.
Their story was Romantic and Tragic but yet personal.
The cinematography by Claire Mathon was gorgeous. Sumptuously candlelit rooms contrasted with the harsh sunlight by the beach; luscious bonfires and tender fireplaces illuminated the scenes and the characters. Softening and hardening as when necessary.
Portrait of a Lady on Fire should have been in the running with Parasite for a slew of Oscars and it would have surely given it a run for its money. I would watched this again before Parasite and I adored Parasite.
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