A biographical film about the discovery of the French, naïve style artist, Seraphine de Senlis. This film charts her life just prior to being discovered, to her tragic decline in mental health. Seraphine has won seven Cesar awards in France for its depiction of this artistic genius.

BY PETER KEYS

Seraphine shows us the rise and fall of the great painter Seraphine Louis (1864 – 1942). Seraphine is a cleaning woman unable to pay for shoes or the rent for her modest apartment; however, she is still able to pursue her calling – painting. She is so driven by her desire of painting that she finds unique ways of procuring the utensils she needs for her passion. In one scene we see Seraphine taking wax from candles and blood to create paints. Seraphine spends her evenings painting as she believes that she has been told to by her guardian angel and indeed she paints as if she is possessed.

Eventually, Seraphine is discovered by the German-born art collector and critic, Wilhelm Uhde, as he is a tenant in the house that she is employed to clean. He recognises her talent and promises to exhibit her work in Paris. This relationship is explored throughout the film, with the two individuals having little in common besides their love of art.

The beginning of the First World War forces Wilhelm to flee France before he has a chance to exhibit Seraphine’s artwork. During the war, Seraphine finds it even more difficult to pursue her passion and in one instance she resorts to looting an art store for some supplies.

Some years pass before Seraphine and Wilhelm meet again, and Wilhelm begins to lavish Seraphine with money so that she can continue with her artwork. This is when Seraphine produces some of her best work but the Great Depression means that her luxurious life-style is curbed prematurely. Seraphine’s worsening mental state means that she is eventually committed to an asylum.

The Belgium actress Yolande Moreau is excellent as the eccentric artist, and she thoroughly deserves her Cesar award for her portrayal of the title role. However, some will find the pacing of the story to be slow and I feel that some of the lingering shots employed in certain scenes could have been shortened without affecting the film. Having said that, this is a good film and is an excellent example of a film depicting a troubled genius.