[RENOIR
opens in Cleveland on Friday May 24th exclusively at the Cedar Lee
Theatre.]
Review by Bob
Ignizio
In mythology, the muses were goddesses
thought to inspire literature, the arts, and science. In real life,
muses tend to be somewhat more earthly objects of desire who
nonetheless evoke creativity in those smitten by them. Picasso had
Marie-Therese Walter, Roger Vadim had Brigitte Bardot, and apparently
everyone from George Harrison to Eric Clapton to Mick Jagger found
inspiration from Pattie Boyd.
The muse we encounter in RENOIR
is Andree Heuschling (Christa Theret), a curvaceous redhead with
artistic aspirations of her own. In the meantime she works a model
for renowned impressionist painter Auguste Renoir (Michel Bouquet).
Although in poor health, the venerable artist is so moved by Andree
as to find within himself the passion for one final great creative
burst.
Renoir's middle
son Jean (Vincent Rottiers) is also affected by the presence of his
father's model. As he begins tentative romance with Andree, the
previously directionless young man starts bringing his life into
focus. His primary purpose is to cement his relationship with the
girl, but the path towards becoming a filmmaker that sends him down
will ultimately prove every bit as important, if not moreso.
The
story RENOIR tells is
an interesting historical footnote, but it's also pretty lightweight
material to be stretched out to nearly 2 hours. One could easily make
the argument that the time could be better spent perusing
reproductions of Auguste's art or watching one of Jean's classic
films like RULES OF THE GAME.
Still, if one is willing to let the the film wash over them like a
lazy summer day – hot, languid, and sensual – it is by no means
an unpleasant experience. 2 1/2 out of 4 stars.
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