Movie Review Portrait of a lady on fire: extraordinary camera work, and brilliant direction.

Portrait of a lady on fire (2019/01:59m)

“Do all lovers feel they are inventing something new”, said says Heloise in a scene when they start making love for the first time. The masterpiece which director Celines Ciamma has created, is no less than an invention, set in 18th century France, a passionate love story between an artist, Marianne, played by Noemie Merlant & Helosie who is about to get married played by Adele Haenel.

You need a little patience to watch this movie, just like you yourself are painting a portrait, by memorising details of person without her knowing, just imagine how romantic it sounds, studying and falling in love, one stroke at a time.

It takes a while to get going, to get used to the routine life, which is a lengthy process, but special mention here be made of Cliare Mathon, cinematographer, what amazing camera work has been done, with the closeups and almost all the moving shots. Composition is so beautiful in every single frame, use of colour is very impressing. Even the lighting was perfect, especially when it comes to close-ups. Every frame to me was like a painting in itself, which keeps you glued to the screen for 2 hours. The myth of Orpheus is beautifully blended with the narrative.

With extraordinary camera work, and brilliant direction this movie is a must watch.

One thing that intrigues me is, how to the writers/directors choose a location, every single element of the location in this movie was adding to the narrative in one way or the other, like the noise from the sea waves, or the haunting dimly lit house they lived in. the beaches and cliffs plays an important role as well.