Séraphine, directed by Martin Provost in 2008, will be shown at Corrie Hall on Sunday November 10th at 8.00pm. This French-Belgian film is the true story of a woman who found ways to do paintings, though she had nothing going for her at all, and it swept the board at the 2009 César Awards (the French Oscars), winning every section and walking away with the Best Film.
Set in pre-1914 France, it features Yolande Moreau in a stunning performance as Séraphine Louis, a lowly housekeeper with an extraordinary talent for painting. Entirely untaught, she follows what she regards as religious inspiration, derived from her daily walks to work where she gazes at trees and the things around her with wide-open awareness. She has no art materials, and collects soil and candle wax to make what she can. The red pigment for which she becomes know is in fact pig’s blood, through she does not reveal this.
The owner of the house where she works is Uhde, a noted art critic. He is startled to see her work and assures her she has a talent. He encourages her and promises to promote her work – but he is German and has to flee France when the 1914 war begins. In 1927, Uhde meets Séraphine again and begins buying her pictures, and selling them. She becomes successful and sought-after. Uhde encourages Séraphine to think of herself as a professional painter, but prosperity has thrown her into a kind of living dream that is not quite sane. She buys an expensive bridal gown and says she receives messages from angels.
In the Great Depression of the post-war years, Uhde can no longer sell Séraphine’s paintings. Her new status as a woman of means collapses, leaving her in confusion and distress. Her slender grasp on the rational world breaks down, and she is put into a lunatic asylum. Uhde visits her and learns that she no longer paints, but though he has finally sold some of her work, he is firmly advised not to contact her, as she would be upset. The best he can do is find Séraphine a room in the institution where she can go outside and look at the trees again. She died in 1942 and her art became famous and respected.
Corrie Film Club is open to all and there is no charge for showings, though a donation to the hall to help cover heating costs would be appreciated. Membership of the Club brings you a 3-fold programme of the year’s films and an opportunity to help choose future showings.