Directed by:
Bruno NuyttenCinematography:
Pierre LhommeComposer:
Gabriel YaredCast:
Isabelle Adjani, Gérard Depardieu, Alain Cuny, Madeleine Robinson, Maxime Leroux, Katrine Boorman, Roger Planchon, François Berléand, Danièle Lebrun (more)Plots(1)
The troubled life of French sculptor Camille Claudel and her long relationship with legendary sculptor Auguste Rodin are portrayed in this passionate biographical drama, featuring an acclaimed performance by Isabelle Adjanai (Subway). Beginning in the 1880s with a young Claudel's first meeting with Rodin (Gerard Depardieu, Cyrano de Bergerac), the film traces the development of their intense romantic bond. The growth of this relationship coincides with the rise of Claudel's career, helping her overcome prejudices against female artists. However, their romance soon sours, due to the increasing pressures of Rodin's fame and his love for another woman. These difficulties combine with her increasing doubts about the value of her work, driving Claudel into an emotional tumult that threatens to become insanity. (Umbrella Entertainment)
(more)Reviews (1)
I would like to go to Camille's sculpture exhibition, but this biographical film about the bitter fate of an artist who stands out from the crowd only confirms that this genre requires a special approach because otherwise, the stories of potentially fascinating personalities easily turn into noble boredom. That is exactly what happened with Nuytten's film in my opinion. Not even the engagement of the charming Isabelle Adjani in the lead role or the presence of the famous Gérard Depardieu as her co-star helped at all. As I have a weakness for Isabelle, she could not help me at all with the tormentingly slow passage of time, although her performance is certainly not bad. But that's not enough to make a great film. Camille Claudel looks like a typical creation of someone who is convinced that high art must be directly proportional to the number of microsleeps that the poor viewer undergoes while watching. This needed some editing, a better screenwriter, more original direction... and so much more. Overall impression: 25%.
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