Berthe Morisot

Berthe Morisot is a captivating French biographical drama movie that was directed by Caroline Champetier and released in 2012. The film stars prominent actors such as Marine Delterme, Malik Zidi, and Alice Butaud, who bring the rich and complex history of the iconic French artist and one of the founding members of French Impressionism, Berthe Morisot, to life on screen.

Marine Delterme takes on the challenging and complex role of Berthe Morisot with finesse, beautifully showcasing the passion, strength, and resilience that characterized the artist. Malik Zidi portrays the famous Édouard Manet, a significant influence and eventually the brother-in-law of Morisot. Alice Butaud plays Edma Morisot, Berthe's sister, also an artist, and their relationship forms a significant plot point within the film.

The narrative of Berthe Morisot is meticulously woven with historical precision. The film opens in the bustling city of Paris in 1865, shedding light on Berthe's initial struggles as a female artist in the male-dominated realm of visual arts. As the feminine pioneer of the Impressionist movement, Morisot blasted through glass ceilings while bravely navigating societal expectations, rivalries, and romance. This movie encapsulates this dynamic journey, showcasing how, as a woman, Berthe continually rises above the challenges and chauvinist biases to carve out her own space and distinct style within the art world.

With its intimate framing of Berthe's life and character, the film beautifully portrays her relationship with her sister Edma, both initially being students of art. The dynamics of the sisters' relationships and their individual paths in the art world offer intriguing comparisons and human insights. The professional trajectory of Berthe soars high while Edma gives up painting after her marriage indicating the rigid societal conditions existing during the time.

Édouard Manet (Malik Zidi), a well-known figure in French modernistic art, comes into Berthe's life as an influential mentor, friend, and later as a brother-in-law. The film elegantly examines the bond between the two artists without neglecting Berthe's professional evolution. The tension, chemistry, and the complex connection between Morisot and Manet is portrayed subtly and tastefully, offering viewers a chance to ponder and appreciate the intricacies of love, friendship, and passion within the artistic realm.

However, Berthe Morisot is more than just an exploration of relationships; it catapults the viewer into the heated throes of an artistic revolution. Impressionism, a then-radical movement in art that broke away from the traditions of the academic art institutions and classicist aesthetics, serves as a compelling backdrop to Berthe's profound personal journey. Morisot's desire to break free from the confinement of indoor studios to paint en plein air, her fascination with everyday subjects and desire to portray them through her unique feminine impressionist lens are some of the movie's powerful themes.

Caroline Champetier impressively recreates 19th-century France using sumptuous set designs, authentic costumes, and atmospheric lighting, providing a genuine sense of historicity. The excellent cinematography weds the breathtaking landscapes and charismatic in-door scenes, plausibly intertwining the artistry of Morisot's paintings with the film's visual aesthetics, thus directly inviting audiences into the artist's world.

A special mention should be given to the soundtrack, which further enhances the film atmosphere with perfectly chosen classical pieces, giving even more depth and richness to the narrative.

The film Berthe Morisot invites viewers on an intriguing journey through time, acquainting them with the tenacity and pathos of a woman who challenged traditional norms and etched her imprint firmly within the art world. The movie's unwavering focus on Morisot's artistic evolution within the turbulent era of impressionism provides a unique biographical insight, making it a must-watch for art historians, enthusiasts, and anyone interested in trailblazing women of history.