Planetarium

Planetarium is a 2016 supernatural drama film, directed by the French luminary Rebecca Zlotowski. The movie is an enchanting fusion of history, paranormal mysteries, and personal drama that propels the viewers into a different era where seances and spiritualism reigned.

The film stars the Academy Award-winning actress Natalie Portman and Lily-Rose Depp, the daughter of Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis. In Planetarium, the two notable actresses play the Barlow sisters - Laura (Natalie Portman) and Kate (Lily-Rose Depp). They are American spiritualists touring pre-World War II Europe with their psychic act, which includes séances and contact with the dead. Laura is essentially the glamorous manager of the pair, while Kate is the gifted medium.

In a time period where spiritualism and the supernatural were wildly popular, these sisters stage various performances, captivating audiences with their ability to communicate with spirits. In Paris, their paths intersect with a visionary French film producer, André Korben, portrayed by Emmanuel Salinger. Intrigued and fascinated by the sisters' abilities, especially Kate's, Korben decides to feature them in his movies initially for his own commercial gain.

Korben, an eccentric producer, is revealed to be a Jewish businessman attempting to conceal his heritage amidst the rise of anti-Semitism. He is a man deeply interested in the supernatural, and his fascination extends beyond mere financial gain. In his desperation to test the limits of cinematic technology and venture into avant-garde filmmaking, he ultimately becomes obsessed with capturing the impossible – the intangible spirit world that the Barlow sisters can purportedly navigate. The sisters' journey with Korben leads to an exploration of ambition, dreams, and the blurred borders of reality.

Shot in a visually appealing manner that evokes both a sense of nostalgia and a surreal dreamscape, Planetarium depicts 1930s Paris with stunning cinematography. The film beautifully displays the elegant glamour of the time period alongside the cloud of unrest and layers the narrative with finely-tuned supernatural elements. Every elegantly framed scene of the film seems to serve as a metaphorical portal into the ethereal world.

Portman, who is known for her compelling performances, delivers another multi-faceted role as Laura, carrying a mix of ambitious poise and underlying vulnerability. Depp, despite her burgeoning career, manages to match strides with Portman, portraying the young, wide-eyed Kate with an intriguing blend of innocence and otherworldly wisdom. Salinger's Korben, with his singular obsession and growing desperation, adds a depth that presents an interesting contrast to the character dynamics.

Zlotowski expertly uses the supernatural elements to reflect and emphasize the societal and personal realities of the characters. The narrative also subtlety portrays the impending despair of WWII, with the growing tensions in Europe being mirrored in the rising discomfort within the characters.

In essence, Planetarium is a multi-layered film that oscillates between a historical period piece and a mystical exploration of loss, desire, and the boundaries of reality. The narrative may puzzle some viewers due to its ambiguity and lack of straightforward answers, but, Planetarium's enchanting charm lies in its blend of aesthetics, historicity, and subtle spectral tones. It presents an intriguing storytelling approach, leading the audience through a journey that pulsates between the real and unreal, the seen and unseen, and the known and unknown.

While some elements in the movie might appear enigmatic and bewildering, Zlotowski's gaze on the subtleties makes it a remarkable viewing experience that involves a level of emotional disquiet. Planetarium moves slowly, letting the subtext speak volumes, and rendering it a beautiful meditation on the intersection of life, death, and cinema.