I am enamored with the work of Christophe Honore, judging by my captivation with his films “Ma Mere” and “La Belle Personne.” “The Beautiful Person” loosely adapted from the risqué 17th century novel “La Princesse de Cleves” by Madame de La Fayette lets the camera zoom in on a modern day Parisian youth entangled by amorous liaisons in the prestigious High School. The viewer is introduced to Junie, a transfer student (Lea Seydoux) who's tragic air and mystery capture the hearts of not only her classmate Otto (Gregoire Leprince-Ringuet) but also her amorous Italian teacher, Mr. Nemour (Louis Garrel). Although the plot of the film falls short on substance, the clandestine emotions explored are intoxicating, giving the viewer a tingling reminiscent feeling of craving for the absolute possession in love...all defying fervor that is only palatable at the tender age of sixteen-seventeen…
Despite its technical shortcomings, “The Beautiful Person” is an intriguing film touching on the essence of adolescent infatuation. Young love – infinite, pure, sincere, sharp as a blade and fragile to the touch. The film screams of eternal state of human loneliness because no romantic love is absolute. One of the focal monologues in the film sets the mood:
JUNIE to MR. NEMOUR:
I am not ashamed to talk frankly.
I thought that’s one thing you liked about me…my openness.
Imagining you could no longer love me is far worse for me
Than what you call “the rules” I set for myself.
I know we are two people, and so like anyone, we could be together.
But for how long?
If we’re two ordinary people, how long will our love last?
Eternal love does not exist, not even in books.
So loving means for a finite time.
There’d be no miracle for us, we’re no different to anyone else.
The film also features a song “Comme La Pluie” performed by Gregoire Leprince-Ringuet, which captures the essence of the film’s love for suffering and suffering for love:
TRANSLATION:
Sometimes we lack the rain
The storm gathers more pace
To cry out in our pain
These words throw in your face
Sometimes we lack the rain
As in the sun we die
From its heat we refrain
When love has gone away
Sometimes we strive in vain
To fight I would prefer
To beat her, give her pain
So no one would want her
Sometimes we strive in vain
Our arms they do betray
When love we would retain
Like sand, just slips away
Sometimes sobs we contain
Yet outpours have more class
A few tears would explain
But that’s too much, alas
Sometimes sobs we contain…
Sometimes the day’s a strain
The nights better express
Stars like crosses do ordain
A sky in mourning just for us
Sometimes the day’s a strain
The night is long to come
When it falls you feel the pain
…of every starry dome
TRAILER:
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