Maryline

Maryline is a raw, moving, and tumultuous narrative that offers an intimate glimpse into the life of an actress in the world of cinema. Released in 2017, the film is directed by Guillaume Gallienne and casts Adeline D'Hermy in the lead role, alongside Vanessa Paradis and Alice Pol.

The film tells the story of Maryline, a young woman from a modest French village who suddenly finds herself thrust into the chaotic and unforgiving world of cinema. Taking center stage, Adeline D’Hermy delivers an exceptionally gripping performance as Maryline, truly capturing her character's profound vulnerability, innocence, and unshaken determination. The narrative focuses on her internal and external struggles to persevere in an environment that is as magical as it is cutthroat.

The film opens with Maryline still nestled in the familiarity of her simple, provincial life, far removed from the glamour and glitter of the film world. She works at a butcher's alongside her father, a humdrum life she yearns to escape. She gets her chance when she auditions and lands a minor role in a film, which brings her to Paris. Her dreams seem palpable when she is suddenly propelled from her comfortable, ordinary life into the dazzling limelight of the grandiose city. However, beneath the shiny surface of film production, she encounters an array of challenges that include intimidating auditions, brutal rejections, predatory men, a high pressure environment, and the difficulty of staying true to oneself in a world that constantly insists on performance and pretense.

Adeline D'Hermy’s portrayal of Maryline is so authentic and believable that it’s easy to forget that she is an actress playing a role herself. Her acting transcends the screen, making her character's struggles feel deeply personal. Vanessa Paradis and Alice Pol offer valuable supporting performances, embodying various personalities that Maryline encounters in her journey. The character dynamics between D’Hermy and the supporting cast add depth and authenticity to the overarching narrative, bringing to light the complexity and paradoxes of the world of cinema.

Guillaume Gallienne’s direction in Maryline is notable in its subtlety and sensitivity. Rather than rapidly leading viewers through the plot, Gallienne allows them to feel and engage with Maryline's experience as she navigates her path. By giving great focus to the emotional aspect of storytelling over a high-paced, event-focused narrative, Gallienne delivers a character-centric narrative that posits relationships and personal struggles at the forefront of the film, making it a deeply relatable exploration of the human experience. The film thus does not just provide entertainment but presents a kind of social commentary, as it gives viewers a close look at the intricate dynamics underlying the film industry and the toll they might take on newcomers.

The film's technical facets are equally outstanding. The cinematography fluidly captures the on-screen performances and the atmospheric variation between Maryline's quiet, uncomplicated home life and the bustling, glitzy world of cinema that she enters. The lighting and set design further add to the film’s emotional depth and visual appeal. The editing lends the film a smooth narrative flow, while the hauntingly beautiful score imbues every scene with goosebump-inducing depth.

Maryline is indeed a cinematic gem that does not shy away from presenting the raw, unfiltered realities behind the camera. Rather than a glitzy portrayal of stardom, it offers a grounded, heart-wrenching narrative, making it a compelling watch for audiences who appreciate the artistry of cinema beyond its glamorous facade. Notably, the film underscores a poignant message about the high cost of following one’s dreams, the gritty side of fame, and the indomitable human spirit that fights to overcome all odds.

In a nutshell, Maryline is a poignant portrait of a young girl's journey of grit, struggle, and survival in the glamorous yet grueling world of cinema, showcasing the unvarnished peaks and pitfalls of the film industry. It’s a journey worth voyaging alongside, offering an intense cinematic experience that's both emotionally engaging and thought-provoking.