Harlan Jacobson's Talk Cinema: Portrait of a Lady on Fire

Harlan Jacobson’s Talk Cinema

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (Portrait de la jeune fille en feu)

Directed by Céline Sciamma

Wednesday, February 5, 7 pm

$18/ $16 Speed members / Free for Cinephile members

“A ravishing masterpiece.”—Oliver Jones, The Observer

In 1760 coastal France, Marianne is commissioned to paint the wedding portrait of Héloïse, a young woman who has just left the convent. As Héloïse is a reluctant bride-to-be, Marianne arrives under the guise of companionship, observing her subject by day and secretly painting her by firelight at night. As the two women orbit one another, intimacy and attraction grow as they share Héloïse’s first moments of freedom. The portrait soon becomes a collaborative act of and a testament to their love.

Winner of a coveted Cannes prize and one of the best-reviewed films of the year, Portrait of a Lady on Fire solidifies Céline Sciamma as one of the most exciting filmmakers working in the world today. Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel turn the subtle act of looking into a dangerous, engrossing thrill, crafting one of the most breathtaking and elegant performances of the year. With contemporary themes in period dress, Portrait of a Lady on Fire is one of the greatest love stories ever told. 2019, France, DCP, in French and Italian with English subtitles, 131 minutes. Rated R. This screening is in advance of Speed Cinema’s Louisville exclusive run opening on March 13.

Talk Cinema is programmed by the venerable film critics and film curators Harlan and Susan Jacobson, features a sneak preview screening of an art house film prior to its release and this month will be followed by a tour with Erika Holmquist-Wall, Mary and Barry Bingham Sr., Curator of European & American Painting & Sculpture focusing on paintings from the period depicted in the film.

Past Talk Cinema films have included The Two Popes, Pain and Glory, The Farewell, Waves, Moonlight, Shoplifters, Lady Bird, The Florida Project, and I, Tonya.