Daguerrotype

Daguerrotype is a Franco-Belgian-Japanese 2016 gothic romance film directed by the French auteur Kiyoshi Kurosawa. It debuted alongside international films at the Toronto International Film Festival and boasts a talented cast, including Tahar Rahim, Constance Rousseau and Olivier Gourmet.

The story centres around the enigmatic and obsessive Jean (played by Olivier Gourmet), a former fashion photographer who has left the cutthroat, modern world to isolate himself in his large, vintage Parisian mansion, where he attempts to perfect the daguerreotype--an early photographic process involving long exposure periods and hazardous chemicals. His main subject is Marie, his incredibly patient daughter (played excellently by Constance Rousseau), who endures the arduous and physically demanding process of posing for extended hours in his antiquated studio without showing any qualms.

Then enters Jean’s young and ambitious assistant, Stéphane (played by award-winning actor Tahar Rahim). He signs on keen to absorb Jean's knowledge and expertise, but soon finds himself drawn into their disquieting domestic world. The dynamic is further complicated when he inadvertently develops feelings for Marie, establishing a complex emotional triangle which accompanies them on their journey. The uncanny, undefined relationship between the obsessor and the object of obsession is charmingly illustrated and lies at the core of this narrative.

Daguerrotype carries Kurosawa's signature style of supernatural undertones, subtle horror and psychological drama. It’s a film in which the characters are as intriguing and multifaceted as the mystery ensnaring them. The sense of eeriness is accompanied by a sense of the artistic, peculiar beauty of the daguerreotypes themselves – detailed images that seem to capture not just people’s physical presence, but something of their souls. It's as if the longer the subjects sit for these photos, the more they are sucked into some other dimension.

The movie also includes a subplot that brings in a real estate scheme, which further shapes Stéphane’s motivations and presents Marie with a potential escape route from the oppressive and suffocating environment of her father’s house. How the characters navigate their relationships amid pursuing their conflicting goals gives the viewers an immersive and emotionally invigorating experience.

Apart from the characters’ emotional undercurrents, Daguerrotype also addresses the recurring theme of the conflict between modernity and tradition. It poses the question: what lengths are we willing to go to preserve the past and does this obsession hinder our progress? It's a larger metaphor of the juxtaposition between the fast-moving, disposable digital culture and the slow, painstaking art of creating a single, lasting image.

Casting, acting and dialogue delivery are on-point with each actor delivering a stellar performance. Tahar Rahim, with his artistic flair, elegant deliveries, and intelligent portrayal of Stéphane, is especially mesmerising. Constance Rousseau as Marie embodies the ethereal, gentle beauty of a daguerreotype coming to life. Olivier Gourmet as Jean is brilliantly convincing in his role as the obsessed artist unwilling to let go of the past.

The cinematography is exquisite, painting a lush, vivid picture of the old world charm. The film pays substantial homage to the craft of daguerrotypes, showing the process in great, hypnotic detail. The mansion, with its decaying grandeur and labyrinthine layout, provides a suitably eerie and atmospheric backdrop for the whole narrative.

Despite the film's length, Daguerrotype successfully maintains a visceral tension. There are no traditional scares or sudden surprises; the suspense and eeriness creep under your skin slowly, supported by great sound design, subtle atmospheric details, and the brooding, gothic environment.

In conclusion, Daguerrotype is a beautifully eerie film, keeping its audience captivated with its slow-burning plot, strong performances, and exquisite cinematography. It is a deep dive into the world of obsessions, memory, and how the past can envelop and control the present. Kiyoshi Kurosawa once again shows his masterful expertise in weaving a narrative that is as psychologically provoking as it is visually enchanting. The film is a must-watch for fans of gothic romance, mystery, and cinema that unfolds its narrative at a deliberate, measured pace.