Pierre & Marthe (2023) by Martin Provost

“Bonnard, Pierre et Marthe” (also known as “Bonnard: Pierre & Marthe”) is a 2023 French biographical drama directed by Martin Provost. The film spans roughly half a century, focusing on the profound and enduring relationship between the renowned French painter Pierre Bonnard and Marthe de Méligny, who became his wife and muse. The film explores their first encounter through their older years, highlighting their deep commitment and the significant influence Marthe had on Bonnard’s art. It’s estimated that nearly one-third of his paintings, totaling around two thousand works, featured Marthe as his subject, even after her passing. The film examines how Bonnard drew inspiration from his everyday life with Marthe, showcasing their routines and moments that he then immortalized on canvas.

The film portrays the love story between Pierre Bonnard and Marthe de Méligny, beginning with their initial meeting where Marthe reluctantly models for Pierre. Their relationship develops over nearly fifty years, navigating social and cultural boundaries, as well as their initial differences in personality. The narrative follows key moments in their lives, showcasing how their experiences, memories, and desires became intertwined with Pierre’s artistic process. The film delves into their daily routines, their life in the countryside, and their interactions, illustrating how even seemingly inconsequential moments inspired Bonnard’s work. The core of the film explores the evolving dynamics of their relationship and Marthe’s profound impact on Bonnard’s life and art.

Martin Provost aimed to challenge artistic and cultural traditions in a subtle yet meaningful way, much like his lead characters. He intentionally avoided the conventional formulas often found in biographical dramas, especially when depicting a story spanning such a long period. Provost’s direction is described as precise and meaningful, emphasizing the beauty of their story in both small details and broad strokes. His vision was to portray a partnership in both artistic expression and romance, creating an engaging and poetic narrative that moves beyond a simple biographical account. He also mentioned his interest in exploring the organic connections between the love of painting, the love of art, sexuality, and everyday life, all of which nourished Bonnard’s creations.

• Love and Partnership: The central theme is the deep and complex relationship between Pierre and Marthe, showcasing its evolution, challenges, and enduring nature over half a century.

• Art and Inspiration: The film explores the intimate connection between Bonnard’s life with Marthe and his artistic creation, highlighting how she became his primary muse and influenced a significant portion of his work.

• Breaking Social Conventions: The narrative touches upon how Pierre and Marthe navigated and sometimes defied the social and cultural norms of their time.

• The Passage of Time: Spanning many decades, the film subtly reflects on the impact of time on relationships, art, and individual lives.

• Strong Lead Performances: Vincent Macaigne as Pierre Bonnard and Cécile de France as Marthe de Méligny deliver spirited and complex performances that bring authenticity and depth to the characters. Their portrayal captures the nuances of a long-lasting relationship.

• Challenging Biographical Drama Conventions: The film avoids a straightforward, formulaic approach to a biographical narrative, opting for a more intimate and observational style that focuses on the emotional and artistic partnership.

• Beautiful Cinematography: The film is reported to be gorgeously shot, enhancing the visual storytelling and capturing the artistic essence of Bonnard’s world.

• Focus on the Intertwined Nature of Art and Life: By showing how Bonnard’s everyday experiences and his relationship with Marthe directly influenced his art, the film offers a compelling insight into the creative process of a renowned artist.

“Bonnard, Pierre et Marthe” is a French biographical drama that beautifully portrays the enduring love and artistic partnership between painter Pierre Bonnard and his wife and muse, Marthe de Méligny, over five decades, showcasing how their life together profoundly influenced his art.

The film was selected to be screened in the Cannes Premiere section of the 76th Cannes Film Festival in 2023. (Further specific award wins or nominations are still being researched.)

Critics’ reception has been generally positive, highlighting the film’s beautiful portrayal of the creative partnership and the strong performances of the lead actors.

• Cannes 2023 review (icsfilm.org): Praises Provost for challenging traditions and avoiding conventional biographical drama formulas. The review commends the spirited and complex performances of Vincent Macaigne and Cécile de France, noting that they add necessary layers of authenticity to the characters. The film is described as beautifully poetic and well-crafted, providing a spirited examination of desire and artistry. It notes the film is a “gentle meditation on life and love” and highlights the playfulness throughout, exploring the lives of Pierre and Marthe and their sincere marriage against the backdrop of a tumultuous period in history.

• philipbrasor.com: Notes that while the film may lack a strong plot, Provost effectively contrasts the idyllic life Pierre created with the hypocrisies of bohemianism, illustrating the path of modernism in the early 20th century.

• Law Society Journal: Describes the film as vastly superior because it respects both protagonists and the audience. While acknowledging it has elements of French period dramas, it suggests that fans of both Pierre and Marthe Bonnard might not get the full depth of their story, giving it a rating of 2 out of 5.

• Screen Daily: The review from Cannes highlights the terrific performances of Vincent Macaigne and Cécile de France, noting they form a completely convincing couple with playful complicity, misunderstandings, hurt, and triumph. It also mentions the film effortlessly recalls a time when nature mattered as much as man-made beauty.

• IMDb (User Reviews): Some users found the film to be an emotionally moving portrait of a unique creative partnership, beautifully shot and a “treat of a film” for art lovers. It is recommended for its superb production design, hair and makeup, costumes, and top-notch performances, especially Cécile de France as Marthe.

• philipbrasor.com: (Summarized in Critics Reception)

• Law Society Journal: (Summarized in Critics Reception)

• Screen Daily: The review praises the convincing portrayal of the couple by the lead actors and the film’s ability to evoke a time when nature and art were deeply connected.

• Cineuropa: While a specific review link was not available, Cineuropa is a reputable source for European cinema news and reviews and likely provided coverage of the film.

The film had an estimated budget of €7,950,000 and has grossed $2,641,876 worldwide.

The film was a French production. It examines how Bonnard drew inspiration from his everyday life, showing the oscillation between his and Marthe’s daily routines and his time spent committing these moments to the canvas.

• Les Films du Kiosque: (France)

• France 3 Cinéma: (France)

• Volapuk: (France – Co-production)

• Umedia: (Foreign production company, likely involved in financing or services)

• Memento Distribution: (France) Distributed the film in France, with a release on January 10, 2024.

• STUDIOCANAL: (France) Also listed as a French distributor.

The film had its world premiere on May 21, 2023, at the Cannes Film Festival. It was theatrically released in France on January 10, 2024.

Why to Recommend This Movie:

• Insightful Look at a Famous Artist: Offers a compelling portrayal of the personal life and creative process of Pierre Bonnard, a significant figure in modern art.

• Beautifully Crafted Film: Praised for its poetic direction, strong performances, and beautiful cinematography, making it a visually and emotionally engaging experience.

• Exploration of a Unique Relationship: Provides an intimate look at the complex and enduring partnership between Bonnard and Marthe, highlighting its profound impact on his life and art.

• Challenges Conventional Biopics: Avoids a formulaic approach, offering a more nuanced and artistic exploration of its subjects.

• Excellent Lead Performances: Vincent Macaigne and Cécile de France deliver nuanced and compelling portrayals of Pierre and Marthe.

• Strong Performances by the Leads: Vincent Macaigne and Cécile de France deliver captivating performances that bring the iconic figures to life.

• Interest in Art and Artists: Appeals to those fascinated by the lives of artists and the inspiration behind their work.

• A Thoughtful Love Story: Presents a love story that is intertwined with creativity and the challenges of a long-term relationship.

• Appreciation for French Cinema: Showcases high-quality French filmmaking with attention to detail in storytelling and visuals.

• Learn About a Significant Artistic Figure: Provides an engaging way to learn about the life and work of Pierre Bonnard and his muse, Marthe.

What Movie Trend Film is Following:

The film aligns with the trend of Biographical Dramas focusing on Artists. This genre has seen consistent interest, with filmmakers exploring the lives and relationships of famous artists to understand their creative processes and personal struggles. These films often delve into the intersection of personal experiences and artistic output, offering insights into iconic figures and their eras.

What Big Social Trend is Following:

The film touches upon the social trend of Focus on Relationships and Partnerships. In a world that often emphasizes individual achievement, stories that explore the complexities, challenges, and enduring power of close relationships, especially long-term partnerships like the one between Pierre and Marthe, resonate with audiences. The film subtly showcases the mutual influence and support within a creative and personal union.

“Bonnard, Pierre et Marthe” is a beautifully realized biographical drama that offers a compelling glimpse into the lives and artistic partnership of Pierre Bonnard and Marthe de Méligny. With strong performances, poetic direction, and a nuanced portrayal of a long-lasting relationship, it’s a recommended watch for those interested in art, history, and intimate human stories.

Recommendations for Film Makers:

• Focus on the Unique Angle of a Known Story: Instead of a straightforward biography, Provost chose to filter Bonnard’s life through his relationship with Marthe, providing a fresh and insightful perspective on a well-known artist.

• Cast Actors Who Embody the Characters’ Essence: The success of the film relies heavily on the performances of Macaigne and de France, who effectively capture the spirit and complexity of Pierre and Marthe. Careful casting is crucial for biographical dramas.

• Use Visual Storytelling to Enhance the Narrative: The film’s beautiful cinematography not only reflects the artistic world of Bonnard but also enhances the emotional impact of the story. Filmmakers should consider how visual elements can deepen the narrative.

• Balance Historical Accuracy with Cinematic Storytelling: While grounding the film in historical facts, Provost also takes creative liberties to craft a compelling and engaging cinematic experience. Finding this balance is key in biographical films.

• Explore the Interplay Between Personal Life and Artistic Creation: This film effectively illustrates how Bonnard’s relationship with Marthe was integral to his artistic output. Filmmakers tackling artist biopics should aim to showcase this intricate connection.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Continue Supporting Character-Driven Biopics: Films that delve into the personal lives and relationships of significant figures, especially within the arts, often find a dedicated audience. The industry should continue to support such projects that offer more than just a recounting of events.

• Recognize the International Appeal of Art-Focused Films: The story of Pierre Bonnard, a renowned French painter, has the potential to appeal to a global audience interested in art and French culture. The industry should facilitate the international distribution and promotion of such films.

• Value Nuanced and Subtly Told Stories: “Bonnard, Pierre et Marthe” is praised for its subtle approach to a long-term relationship. The industry should recognize and support films that trust the audience to engage with nuanced storytelling and character development over time.

• Invest in High-Quality Period Productions: The film’s attention to detail in recreating the Belle Époque contributes significantly to its atmosphere and authenticity. The industry should continue to invest in the production design and cinematography of period pieces.

• Promote Films That Highlight the Role of Muses in Art History: Marthe’s crucial role in Bonnard’s work is central to this film. The industry can explore more stories that highlight the often-unseen contributions of muses and partners in the creation of significant art.