Guys (gender-neutral term) Kate recommended me another gay movie. This time around it is the French masterpiece, Portrait of a Lady on Fire. I would like everyone to know, foreign movies are simply better, sorry not sorry. As someone who is not versed in the French language, I did have to use subtitles. But I watch everything with subtitles, I recommend you also try it.  

Back to the movie, it was so good. I will be saying a lot of movies are good, but this one is one of the best for you film nerds out there. The use of color, staging, acting, all top tier. The tone of the movie changes throughout, however the overarching melancholy that this movie conveys is strong. You feel the bond created and broken between the two main characters, Marianne and Héloïse. The more familial relationship that is made between the three women is one for the ages and made me personally quite emotional.  

The movie overall is so beautiful and aesthetically pleasing that every scene is like a painting. Which is what most of the plot hinges on. The Portrait. The evolution of the three different pieces and how this painting works into the major turning points of the film reminded me of Oscar Wilde’s Picture of Dorian Gray.   

If you haven’t read this book, please, it’s a very influential work. But be wary it is dated. If you don’t want the hassle or need a refresher, the main character Dorian Gray has a portrait painted of him by one of his friends. However, there is a “spell” put on the painting, any signs of aging or heinous acts are reflected on the painting so Gray my stay looking innocent and beautiful. I won’t spoil the whole thing, but with that prior knowledge, this movie seems all the more charming.  

The painting transforming throughout the movie as the two women learn more and trust, each other. It is one of my favorite plot points if you can’t tell.  

The other piece of media that is connected to parts of the movie is the ancient story of Orpheus and Eurydice. The three women read the story and debate the outcome together and it fleshes out their personalities. This story also ties into the ending of this movie. 

Major plot points, and the ending, will be discussed from this point until “After that whole” in the next paragraph. You have been warned…So I cried a lot at the end. I’m pretty sure I can’t listen to Vivaldi’s Summer without crying anymore.  The scene itself is so powerful. The music in this movie is so important and the fact that this is the last time Marianne sees Héloïse hurts my little heart. 

After that whole experience, my roommate and Kate got into a huge argument about the MET Gala. It has been a hot topic in 202.  We keep getting on the subject of Elliot Paige’s suit with the green carnation, Amber (roommate) hates that he went in just a black suit, and Kate just thinks he looked cute. Please leave your thoughts in the comments. 

10/10

Link for the picture above.