Review of Divertimento (2000) by Vinnie G — 06 Mar 2012

An incredible and epic depiction of a reclusive artist and the painting that has been his obsession for over a decade, "La Belle Noiseuse". The film stars Michel Piccoli who plays Edouard Frenhofer, a well known painter who spends most of his days in his chateau, living an almost reclusive existence. His wife Liz, played by Jane Birkin, was his original muse and modelled for "La Belle Noiseuse" ten years before - a project that we see at the beginning of the film, is all but abandoned. Edouard has grown tired and despondant about his work and claims it doesn't hold his interest like it once did. One evening, Frenhofer's agent, Porbus (played by Gilles Arbona), introduces the beautiful Marianne (played by Emmanuelle Beart) to his client with the intention of reigniting his artistic fire, in hopes that he'll recommence work on his unfinished masterpiece.

Jacques Rivette's film is almost hypnotising as it shows the audience the painful and beautiful moments that go into creating a painting that is portrayed as the ultimate psychological - rather than artistic - achievement for Frenhofer. It cleverly plays this out alongside Marianne's often misguided perception of the artist and herself in the role as Frenhofer's model. It's impeccably shot and at 4 hours in length, it's a gift that we're allowed enough time to drift into every scene of the film effortlessly. The film is edited in such a fluid and graceful way, that the pace allows us to casually weave in and out of these characters movements, however seemingly mundane. So intimate is this transition, you can almost taste the coffee, smell the paint on canvas and feel the Roussillon sunshine on your face.