Illustration by Tavish Mohanti
PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE (PORTRAIT DE LA JEUNE FILLE EN FEU) is, simply said, a work of art.
Writer and director Céline Sciamma weaves a slow-burn romance between Marianne, a painter, and her muse, Héloïse. Sciamma’s expertly crafted dialogue turns the film into one long, tragic sonnet and pulls the viewer into the turbulence of the blossoming relationship.
The soundtrack helps to keep the viewer engrossed in the unfolding events, and with the crescendo and decrescendo of the melodies, the listener is taken on a dynamic and thought-provoking adventure.
Cinematographer Claire Mathon pulls you into an 18th-century painting, as she captures the beautiful landscapes and vistas of Brittany. The film’s color palette — a mix of muted tones — accentuates the heavy emotions of the film, and each shot feels like a painstakingly-composed, incredibly-aesthetic portrait.
Just as masterful brushstrokes, eye-catching colors, and a seasoned painter all come together to create a perfect painting, this film is a must-watch because it sits at the intersection of stunning cinematography, soundtrack, and direction.
PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE is available to experience on Hulu, YouTube, Google Play, Amazon Prime Video, and Vudu.
