Review of Artemisia (1997) by Susan G — 21 Aug 2007

I recently saw some of Artemisia Gentileschi's paintings in DC, and so wanted to see this film. If you know her backstory, you'll know she was a very accomplished artist who was raped by her teacher, whom her father successfully brought to trial.

Surprisingly, the film interprets the rape as consensual sexplay that leads to an illicit affair, and has the dad (rather than Gentileschi herself) bringing charges against the teacher. I'll reserve judgment until after I read more about her life.

Until then, the "is it romance or is it rape" question gives the film an uneasy (as in queasy) edge. Good acting - I especially liked the dad's heartbreaking scene and cry of "Lache!!!!" when he discovers the truth.

There's a fair bit of nudity, and great costumes. A few hackneyed film tricks here and there.