Portrait of a Lady on Fire 2019
Directed by
Céline Sciamma
Made by
Alamode Film
Plot Summary
At the end of the 18th century, Marianne, a talented painter, is instructing an art class in France when one of her female students inquires about a piece she refers to as Portrait de la jeune fille en feu.
Years earlier, Marianne finds herself on a remote island in Brittany, having been commissioned to create a portrait of a young woman from the gentry named Héloïse. This young lady is destined to marry a nobleman from Milan, but her mother, the Countess, informs Marianne that Héloïse has previously refused to sit for portraits, as she is unwilling to go through with the marriage. Having lived in a convent, Héloïse returned only after her sister’s tragic suicide forced her back into societal expectations. To keep her true intent a secret, Marianne poses as Héloïse’s hired companion, allowing her to accompany her on walks along the breathtaking coastline while memorizing every detail of her features.
Once Marianne completes the portrait, she struggles with the urge to betray Héloïse’s trust and confesses her true purpose for being there. After Héloïse voices her criticism of the painting, feeling it fails to capture her essence, Marianne decides to destroy the piece. After witnessing the destruction, Marianne explains to the Countess that she can create a better representation of Héloïse. To Marianne’s surprise, Héloïse declares that she will pose for her, shocking the Countess, who then permits Marianne just five days to finish the new painting while she goes to the mainland. Throughout this time, Marianne is haunted by visions of Héloïse in a wedding dress. One night, they delve into the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, debating the true motive behind Orpheus’s fateful glance at his wife, thus bringing her back to the underworld. Later, they attend a bonfire gathering where the women sing, and in a moment of peril, Héloïse’s dress nearly goes up in flames.
The following day marks a turning point as Marianne and Héloïse share a passionate kiss, leading to an intimate night together. Over the next few days, their bond deepens, as they support Sophie, the housemaid, in her desperate decision to seek an abortion due to her unexpected pregnancy. As the impending return of the Countess looms over them, Marianne sketches a drawing of Héloïse to keep her memory alive. In an intimate moment, Héloïse requests Marianne to draw a nude sketch of her on page 28 of her book. With the portrait finally finished, the Countess expresses her approval. The next morning, as Marianne prepares to leave, she hears Héloïse’s voice saying, “Turn around.” When she does, she sees Héloïse in her wedding dress, a heart-wrenching sight.
In the present, Marianne recounts that she encountered Héloïse two additional times since then. The first occurred at an art exhibition where Héloïse was depicted in a portrait, holding a book with a child by her side, subtly revealing page 28. The second encounter took place at a concert in Milan, where Marianne glimpsed Héloïse in the balcony among the patrons. Unseen, Marianne witnesses Héloïse with tears in her eyes, both smiling and crying as she listens to the orchestra performing the Presto from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, the very piece of music Marianne had played for her on the harpsichord years before.
Timeline
Marianne's Art Class
At the end of the 18th century, Marianne conducts an art class in France, where her students inquire about the painting titled *Portrait de la jeune fille en feu*. This sets the stage for the memories that follow, highlighting Marianne's talent and the importance of the subject matter.
Arrival in Brittany
Years earlier, Marianne arrives on a remote island in Brittany, tasked with painting a portrait of a young woman named Héloïse. The isolation of the island contrasts with Marianne's impending mission, foreshadowing the deep connection they will develop.
Introduction to Héloïse
Marianne learns Héloïse has refused to sit for portraits due to her impending marriage to a nobleman from Milan. The Countess reveals Héloïse's tragic backstory of her sister's suicide, reinforcing the societal pressures she faces and deepening Marianne's understanding of her subject.
Posing as a Companion
To gain Héloïse's trust, Marianne poses as her hired companion. This enables them to take long walks along the dramatic coastline, where Marianne secretly studies Héloïse's features for her portrait, illustrating the deepening bond between the two women.
Confession of Intent
After completing the initial portrait, Marianne feels compelled to admit her true reason for being there. This moment of honesty challenges the trust they have built, leading to a critical turning point in their relationship.
Destruction of the Portrait
Héloïse criticizes the portrait for not capturing her essence, prompting Marianne to destroy it in a moment of resolve. This act signifies Marianne's commitment to truly representing Héloïse and paves the way for a new beginning.
The Portrait Agreement
Surprising both Marianne and the Countess, Héloïse agrees to pose for a new portrait, with the condition that it must be completed in five days. This decision highlights Héloïse's growing autonomy as she challenges her fate.
Evening Conversations
One night, Marianne and Héloïse engage in an intense discussion about the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, exploring themes of love and loss. This conversation adds depth to their relationship and highlights the emotional stakes at play.
The Bonfire Gathering
During a bonfire gathering, Marianne and Héloïse participate in communal singing, strengthening their connection with the other women. A moment of danger arises when Héloïse's dress nearly catches fire, symbolizing the volatility of their romance.
A Passionate Encounter
The turning point occurs when Marianne and Héloïse share a passionate kiss, leading to an intimate night together. This moment solidifies their bond and marks the beginning of a deep romantic relationship.
Sophie’s Dilemma
As the impact of their relationship deepens, Marianne and Héloïse support Sophie, the housemaid, in her decision to seek an abortion. Their solidarity illustrates the struggles women face in their respective battles against societal expectations.
Sketching for Memory
With the return of the Countess imminent, Marianne sketches a drawing of Héloïse to preserve her memory. This creative act showcases the urgency of their fleeting time together and Marianne's desire to hold onto what they have experienced.
The Nude Sketch
In a particularly intimate moment, Héloïse asks Marianne to draw her nude as part of a keepsake. This request deepens their emotional connection and signifies a moment of vulnerability between them.
Final Portrait Approval
As the new portrait is unveiled, the Countess expresses her satisfaction with Marianne's work. This approval acts as a bittersweet moment for both women as they approach the end of their time together.
Heartbreaking Goodbye
On the morning of Marianne's departure, she turns to find Héloïse in her wedding dress, a poignant reminder of the life that awaits her. This encounter solidifies the emotional weight of their time together and leaves a lasting impact on Marianne.
Future Encounters
In the present, Marianne reflects on two serendipitous encounters with Héloïse years later. The first occurs at an art exhibition where Héloïse is depicted in a portrait, echoing their intimate past.
The Concert in Milan
The second encounter takes place at a concert in Milan, where Marianne sees Héloïse among the patrons. This moment encapsulates the profound emotional connection they still share, even if separated by time.
Characters
Marianne (Noémie Merlant)
Marianne is a skilled painter tasked with capturing the essence of Héloïse through her portrait. Throughout the film, her character embodies determination and vulnerability, as she navigates her emotions and societal constraints. Her evolving relationship with Héloïse showcases her depth, creativity, and the intense struggles of intimacy.
Héloïse (Adèle Haenel)
Héloïse is a young woman from the gentry, grappling with the expectations of her impending marriage. Fiercely independent yet vulnerable, she initially resists being portrayed and seeks to reclaim her identity through her interactions with Marianne. Her character reflects the complexities of love and autonomy in a constricting society.
Sophie (Luàna Bajrami)
Sophie, the housemaid, experiences personal turmoil due to her unexpected pregnancy and desire for autonomy. Her character highlights the struggles of women during this era, reflecting the urgent need for their voices to be heard. She serves as a catalyst for the bond between Marianne and Héloïse, deepening their emotional connection.
The Countess (Valeria Golino)
The Countess is Héloïse's mother, representing the societal norms and expectations placed upon women in the 18th century. Her character often embodies the pressures of marriage and tradition, impacting the lives of both Héloïse and Marianne. Though authoritative, her evolving perception of art and love ultimately shapes the narrative's progression.
Setting
Time period
End of the 18th century
The end of the 18th century was a time of significant change in Europe, marked by art movements that emphasized emotion and individualism. It was a period leading up to the French Revolution, which would dramatically alter societal norms and values. The film's setting reflects the constraining societal expectations placed on women during this time.
Location
Brittany, France
Brittany, a picturesque region in France, is known for its rugged coastline and stunning landscapes. The movie showcases its remote islands, which serve as a serene backdrop for the intimate relationship between Marianne and Héloïse. This enchanting setting is steeped in local culture, reflecting the isolation and beauty of their world.
Themes
🌹
Forbidden Love
The theme of forbidden love is central to the narrative, as Marianne and Héloïse engage in a passionate romance that defies societal norms. Their relationship flourishes away from the eyes of the world, symbolizing a deep connection that transcends the expectations of their era. The film beautifully captures the intensity and complexity of their love story.
🎨
Art and Identity
Art is portrayed as a powerful means of expressing identity and emotion in the film. Marianne's journey as a painter parallels her growing intimacy with Héloïse, reflecting how art can capture the essence of individuals. The destruction and reconstruction of the portraits symbolize the struggle for self-identity in the face of societal pressures.
🕯️
Memory and Loss
Memory plays a poignant role, as Marianne reflects on her time with Héloïse through her art. The film examines how memories can haunt and uplift, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of love lost. The visual motifs of light and shadow further illustrate the themes of longing and remembrance throughout the narrative.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.