Marking a century since the artist’s death, veteran auteur Jacques Doillon delivers a mighty and meticulous biopic on France’s beloved sculptor, Auguste Rodin (Vincent Lindon, The Measure of a Man, AF FFF2016), paralleled by his relationship with fellow artist, Camille Claudel (Izïa Higelin).
The film begins at the time of Rodin’s first state commission, The Gates of Hell; a piece that would inspire later classics like The Thinker. Camille Claudel begins as Rodin’s assistant but soon becomes his mistress, and they embark on tumultuous, passion-filled affair spanning a decade and coinciding with
the creation of some of his most revered works, such as The Burghers of Calais and The Kiss. When their relationship ends, Rodin immerses himself in his artistic endeavours and – in a relentless, tormented search for ‘truth’ in his art – creates Balzac; a statue derided by 'société' of the time but now considered by many as a significant juncture in modern sculpture. Methodical and reverential, Rodin features exquisite production design and cinematography, a dramatic retelling of an important time in French Artistic History.
Tuesday 27th February
122 min
M
Film Festival
