September 20th 2024
Bonnard: Pierre and Marthe
National Theatre Live: Prima Facie
St. Ali Italian Film Festival
The Italian film festival, with its excellent offerings, has just opened in Melbourne, the most watched of the National Theatre plays on screen gets an encore season, and I catch up with the turbulent tale of a French painter and his muse.
Bonnard: Pierre and Marthe
Dir: Martin Provost
Length: 122 mins
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| © Palace - an artist and his lifelong muse |
Pierre Bonnard (Vincent Macaigne) was an artist born in the 1860s, and a protegee of renowned Impressionist painter Claude Monet (Andre Marcon). But Bonnard's style gradually moved away from tradition, and he became a founding member of the post-Impressionist art movement. While this narrative certainly delivers much about his art, it is more about his personal life, especially his lifelong love affair with his muse, Marthe de Meligny (Cecile de France). The film visually captures the era so well, the sense of an artistic Bohemian life, and the mood of French high society, with its accompanying scandals and snobbery. Much focus is upon Bonnard's brushstrokes and bold colors, but the film's emotional depth comes from the tempestuous love life with Marthe, who often had to play second fiddle to other women in Bonnard's life, most notably much younger Renee (Stacy Martin), who ultimately committed suicide because of Bonnard. De France gives a marvellous performance, and the make-up department must be commended for the excellent ageing of the main characters. This is a film art lovers should relish.3.5 - well recommended
National Theatre Live: Prima Facie
Dir: Justin Martin
Length: 120 mins
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© Sharmill - confronting topic -
astonishing performance |
If you want to see a tour de force of acting, you have a short window to catch this one-woman award-winning production, coming to cinemas as an encore release. Jodie Comer plays Tessa, an up-and-coming young barrister who feels she knows all the rules of the legal game when it comes to being a defense lawyer. But then she finds herself on the other side of the fence, as the prosecution try to convict another barrister she has taken to court for raping her, within a date setting. In an era where informed consent to sex is in the spotlight, this is such a timely piece of theatre. The stage setting is stark and minimalistic, with towering bookshelves and a few bits of heavy furniture which Tessa constantly rearranges. But it is Comer's mind-boggling performance that one remembers as she progresses from arrogant self-assuredness through to a tortured wreck. This is emblematic of many women - oppressed by a system of so-called justice devised by men and mostly guaranteed to betray women. Disturbing and unforgettable. 4.5 - wholeheartedly recommended
St. Ali Italian Film Festival
Melbourne 20th September to 17th October
Palace Cinemas
Along with the usual impressive collection of latest release dramas, comedies and documentaries, there will be a couple of old favorites - Bread and Tulips as well as The Godfather Part 2, which celebrates its 50th anniversary. I've previewed four excellent films so far.
There's Still Tomorrow: This multi-award winning film (including best film at the Sydney Film Festival) is set in Rome in the late 1940s, a time when women in Italy are still subservient to their often physically violent husbands. Director Paola Cortellesi plays the lead role of Delia, a woman who, on one level, accepts her lot, while on another hopes for change, especially for her daughter. Shot in evocative black and white, the film is replete with poignancy and moments of almost bizarre levity, as the brutality of the men is portrayed as a strange relationship dance. Each character is so distinctively drawn that the whole story is quite spellbinding throughout.
Commandante: Another film with a swag of awards is this gripping wartime story, based upon true events. At the centre is a submarine commander caught up in a battle, and played by the imposing and impressive Pierfrancesco Favino. The story is one of remarkable humanity and compassion, which defies typical wartime protocols and shows the measure of a truly selfless man. The recreation of submarine life feels so authentic, and we really get a sense of the claustrophobia along with the strange bonding that is essential for men to survive in such conditions. Very different from one's "usual" wartime story, this one is tense, gripping and emotionally moving.
Maria Montessori: I know of Montessori schools, but I certainly knew nothing of the woman who gave her name to the teaching method. This film is based upon a true story of a female (and strongly feminist) doctor in early 20th century Italy, who was also an educator with revolutionary methods. Intertwined is the fictional tale of a Parisian courtesan with a disabled daughter of whom she is ashamed. When the little girl, Tina, joins Maria's school, catering to neurodivergent and disabled kids, remarkable things happen. An extremely engaging story that stars children who genuinely have cognitive issues, the film helps shed a light upon alternate teaching, and encourages greater understanding of neurodivergence.
Trust: Here's one for those who love a relationship story that is also part psychological thriller. Teacher Pietro has an affair with a much younger student and they agree to tell each other one deep secret. As an audience we never discover that secret but the fear of it coming out will haunt Pietro for the rest of his life, while also tying him to his former lover long after they have parted and are leading different lives.
The Italian film festival is, as always, highly recommended!
There's Still Tomorrow: This multi-award winning film (including best film at the Sydney Film Festival) is set in Rome in the late 1940s, a time when women in Italy are still subservient to their often physically violent husbands. Director Paola Cortellesi plays the lead role of Delia, a woman who, on one level, accepts her lot, while on another hopes for change, especially for her daughter. Shot in evocative black and white, the film is replete with poignancy and moments of almost bizarre levity, as the brutality of the men is portrayed as a strange relationship dance. Each character is so distinctively drawn that the whole story is quite spellbinding throughout. 
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