Volume 19

Monsieur & Madame Adelman by Nicolas Bedos — Propped by Jenny Saville — Les Fleurs du Mal by Charles Baudelaire

Happy Sunday and welcome back to Giselle daydreams!

In this volume, I’m writing about another French film Monsieur and Madame Adelman which I loved, a powerful painting by Jenny Saville, and I’m ending with some French poetry. The next volumes will feature fewer French films and literature, as I want to share with you so much more!

I also wanted to let you know that for the next post I’m preparing something different. I’ll be sharing a short city guide about a trip I’ve recently done. Can you guess which city it’s about?

Enjoy!

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Cinema

Monsieur & Madame Adelman by Nicolas Bedos (2017)

I discovered the work of Nicolas Bedos by watching another of his films, but Monsieur et Madame Adelman is probably my favourite. He made a few other films, which I watched such as La Belle Epoque (2019) and more recently Masquerade (2022). And I will review them in due course. Believe it or not, I think I have enough film content ideas for several years if I were to keep publishing fortnightly! 

Monsieur et Madame Adelman is a French film released in 2017. It was directed by Nicolas Bedos, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Doria Tillier. 

The film tells the story of a couple, Victor Adelman (Nicolas Bedos) and Sarah Adelman (Doria Tillier), spanning over several decades. It explores their intense and tumultuous relationship, their personal and professional struggles, and the evolution of their love over the years. The narrative is structured around a retrospective look at their life together, starting from their meeting in the 1970s up to Victor's death.

The film explores the highs and lows of a long-term relationship, including passion, jealousy, betrayal, and reconciliation. It presents love as multifaceted and often contradictory. The film portrays the intense passion between Victor and Sarah, capturing the initial excitement and deep connection they share. As their relationship progresses, the film highlights the conflicts, betrayals, and power struggles that test their bond. The story spans several decades, showing how their love evolves and endures through various phases of their lives, adapting to changes and challenges.

Victor's career as a writer is a focal point, illustrating the sources of his inspiration and the personal torment that often accompanies the creative process. The film explores the sacrifices made for artistic success, both by Victor and by Sarah, who supports and influences his work. It also reflects on the lasting impact of Victor's work and the legacy he leaves behind, raising questions about the value and cost of artistic achievement.

Both Victor and Sarah undergo significant personal growth over the course of their relationship, influenced by their experiences and each other. Monsieur et Madame Adelman looks at how they influence each other's growth and the compromises they make. The film examines how their roles within the relationship and society change over time, reflecting broader societal shifts. Their journey together is also one of self-discovery, as they confront their desires, flaws, and aspirations.

The narrative structure, which uses retrospective storytelling, emphasises how memories are recalled and interpreted, often with a mix of nostalgia and critique. The film shows how past events shape the present and future, influencing the characters' decisions and perceptions.

The film explores the power dynamics between Victor and Sarah, particularly how Sarah navigates and manipulates her position in a male-dominated environment. Sarah's role highlights the sacrifices women often make in supporting their partners' ambitions, and how these sacrifices impact their own identity and fulfillment. The changing dynamics in their relationship reflect the broader evolution of gender roles over the decades.

Victor's death at the beginning of the film sets the stage for a reflection on his life and legacy, examining how he will be remembered. The film addresses the inevitability of death and how the characters confront their mortality, influencing their actions and relationships.

Through Victor's career, the film provides a commentary on the French literary scene, intellectual life, and the cultural milieu of the time over several decades. It also touches on social expectations and norms, particularly regarding marriage, success, and personal fulfilment.

Victor is a complex character, a writer whose success and personal flaws are central to the story. His arrogance, ambition, and insecurities are explored in detail, showcasing the struggles of a creative mind. Sarah is equally complex, starting as a passionate admirer of Victor's work and evolving into a crucial partner in his life and career. Her intelligence, resilience, and manipulative tendencies are highlighted throughout the film.

Victor's career as a writer brings numerous literary references and metaphors into the film, enriching its intellectual texture. The passage of time and the physical and emotional changes it brings are central to the film. Makeup and visual effects are used effectively to depict ageing. The film begins with Victor's death, making his legacy and the impact of his life and work a recurring motif. It raises questions about what we leave behind and how we are remembered.

The film employs a retrospective narrative structure, with the story being recounted after Victor's death. This allows for a nonlinear exploration of their relationship, giving the audience insights into different periods of their lives. The use of an interview format as a framing device helps to add depth to the characters and allows for reflections on past events with a mix of nostalgia and critique.

Nicolas Bedos and Doria Tillier received acclaim for their performances, bringing depth and authenticity to their roles. The film's script, co-written by Bedos and Tillier, was praised for its wit, emotional resonance, sharp dialogue, insightful and often poignant portrayal of a couple's life together over many years as well as its blend of humour and drama. Bedos' direction was noted for its elegance and attention to detail.

Monsieur et Madame Adelman is a nuanced exploration of a relationship over time documenting the deep understanding of the complexities of love, art, and identity. It also delves into the themes of ambition, betrayal and the complexities of a long-term relationship. By weaving these themes together, Monsieur et Madame Adelman offers a multifaceted and deeply engaging portrait of a couple's life together, exploring the complexities of love, creativity, and identity with nuance and insight. It is a film that invites viewers to reflect on the nature of long-term relationships and the intertwining of personal and professional lives.

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Art

Propped by Jenny Saville (1992)

I must admit that I haven’t covered as many women artists as I should have, and I should write more about them. Jenny Saville is an artist I’ve always admired since I discovered her work in art history classes, and she had to feature in one of my volumes. 

Propped is a profound artwork created in 1992 by contemporary British artist Jenny Saville. Known for her large-scale depictions of the female form, Saville is celebrated for her contributions to contemporary art, particularly in how she challenges traditional representations of the body.

Propped is a seminal work which exemplifies Saville's approach to the female form and it also engages with several interrelated themes, which include body image and self-perception, feminism and the critique of patriarchy, the intersection of text and image, and the subversion of traditional art norms.

The monumental scale of the painting is a hallmark of Saville’s work, demanding the viewer's attention and emphasising the physical presence of the subject. It also gives the female subject an imposing presence traditionally reserved for male figures in art.

The painting depicts a nude woman sitting on a stool, with her flesh exaggerated and distorted in a way that challenges conventional beauty standards. Saville's depiction of the female body in Propped is both exaggerated and realistic. The fleshy, almost distorted form of the woman challenges conventional beauty standards and presents a raw, unidealised view of the body.

Her legs are spread wide, and her arms rest on her thighs, giving her a grounded and substantial presence. The perspective is slightly tilted, adding to the feeling of instability and tension. The figure is positioned in such a way that her body dominates the canvas, creating an imposing and confrontational presence. 

The painting incorporates a quote from the French feminist theorist Luce Irigaray, scrawled across the surface of the painting, written in mirror:

"If we continue to speak in this sameness—speak as men have spoken for centuries, we will fail each other. Again words will pass through our bodies, above our heads—disappear, make us disappear." 

This textual element reinforces the painting’s engagement with feminist thought and the critique of patriarchal language and representation. It adds a critical dimension to the work, intertwining visual and verbal elements to enhance the painting's message.

The integration of text within the visual field of the painting creates a dialogue between the image and the written word and is a fundamental part of the artwork. It enhances the painting's thematic depth and inviting viewers to consider the interplay between language and image. The mirrored text requires effort to read, emphasising the theme of women's voices being obscured or misunderstood in a male-dominated discourse. It also symbolises the difficulty and complexity of understanding and addressing women's issues and experiences within a patriarchal framework.

By writing the text in reverse, Saville forces the viewer to engage actively with the message, prompting them to actively decode its meaning and underscoring the theme of women's voices being obscured or ignored in a male-dominated discourse.

The incorporation of Irigaray’s quote adds a layer of feminist theory to the painting, reinforcing the critique of patriarchal discourse and the marginalisation of women's voices. This text is an integral part of the artwork, blending the visual and the conceptual. The combination of visual imagery and feminist text adds layers of meaning to the painting. It invites viewers to consider not only the physical depiction of the female body but also the sociopolitical context in which it exists.

The subject's powerful, confrontational pose—sitting solidly on a stool, with her body occupying much of the canvas—conveys a sense of empowerment and presence. At the same time, the exposed, raw depiction of her body highlights vulnerability and challenges the viewer to see beyond traditional notions of beauty. The woman's direct gaze, coupled with the sheer physicality of her body, challenges the viewer to confront their own perceptions and biases regarding the female form. Her pose  with her arms resting on her thighs and her head tilted upward, conveys a mix of empowerment and vulnerability. This duality highlights the complexity of self-perception and societal expectations.

Propped addresses themes of body image, self-perception, and societal expectations of female beauty. The exaggerated, fleshy form of the woman in the painting confronts and critiques the narrow definitions of beauty often portrayed in art and media.

Saville’s depiction of the female nude subverts the traditional male gaze in art. By presenting the female body in a confrontational and unapologetic manner, Saville subverts the traditional male gaze in art.  Instead of presenting the woman as an object for passive consumption, the painting confronts the viewer with a powerful, assertive presence. This challenges the historical objectification of women in art and encourages a reevaluation of how female bodies are viewed and represented. The viewer is compelled to confront the subject on her own terms, rather than as an object of passive consumption.

Saville's depiction of the female body in Propped is both realistic and exaggerated. The fleshy, almost distorted form challenges conventional standards of beauty and presents an unidealised view of the body. This realism with distortion invites viewers to confront their own biases and perceptions about physical appearance.

Saville’s brushwork is expressive and tactile, creating a sense of texture and corporeality. The thick, layered application of paint emphasises the materiality of the body, making it both a physical and visual experience. This technique subverts the polished, idealised representations often seen in classical art. While Saville’s work is grounded in realism, she often distorts and exaggerates the body to highlight its imperfections and to challenge idealised representations. By presenting a body that is both powerful and imperfect, Saville humanises the subject, moving away from idealised depictions of women and offering a more authentic, relatable portrayal. This approach both humanises and monumentalises the subject, giving weight and presence to bodies that are often marginalised or overlooked.

Saville’s work is often associated with the feminist art movement and is seen as a response to the male-dominated tradition of depicting the female nude. Her paintings are a direct challenge to the objectification of women in art, offering instead a raw and honest portrayal of the female body.

Propped received significant critical acclaim and has been instrumental in establishing Jenny Saville as a prominent figure in contemporary art. The painting's bold and innovative approach to the female form and its integration of feminist theory. Propped is considered a pivotal work in contemporary art, particularly in discussions of gender and representation.

Propped is a multi-layered artwork that engages deeply with themes of body image, feminism, and the critique of patriarchal norms. It is a powerful and provocative work that challenges traditional representations of the female body and engages deeply with feminist theory. Through its monumental scale, expressive technique, realistic yet exaggerated depiction of the female form, the integration of feminist text, and the subversion of traditional art conventions, the painting challenges viewers to reconsider their perceptions of beauty, identity, and the representation of women in art. Propped stands as a testament to Saville's ability to blend visual artistry with conceptual depth, making it a landmark piece in contemporary art.

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Literature

Les Fleurs du Mal by Charles Baudelaire (1847)

Yet again, I find myself writing about French literature, or poetry in this case, to be more accurate. I think many of the books I’ve read in the past, in my teenage years (that makes me sound so old), were in my mother tongue, except the Harry Potter series, and years later, I started to read in English.

Les Fleurs du mal (The Flowers of Evil) by Charles Baudelaire is a seminal work in the canon of French literature and modern poetry. First published in 1857, it is a complex and multifaceted cornerstone work that explores a wide range of themes, many of which were groundbreaking for their time. This collection of poems delves deeply into themes of beauty, decadence, eroticism, existential angst, and the metaphysical. 

The first edition of Les Fleurs du mal was published in 1857 and faced legal challenges for its alleged obscenity and affront to public morals. Baudelaire was fined, and six poems were banned from the publication. A second edition, with additional poems, was published in 1861.

Les Fleurs du mal is divided into several sections, each focusing on different thematic elements. Spleen et Idéal (Spleen and Ideal) explores the duality between the poet’s melancholic despair (spleen) and his aspirations toward beauty and transcendence (ideal). Tableaux parisiens (Parisian Scenes) depict urban life in Paris, highlighting the city's beauty, chaos, and the poet's alienation within it. Le Vin (Wine) discusses the use of wine as an escape from reality and a means to achieve transcendence. Fleurs du mal (Flowers of Evil) delve into themes of decadence, eroticism, and the darker aspects of human nature. Révolte (Revolt), the poems in this section express defiance against societal norms, religion, and traditional morality. La Mort (Death) contemplates death, the afterlife, and existential questions about human existence.

One of the central themes is the duality between the spleen (a state of profound melancholy, boredom, and existential despair) and the ideal (a pursuit of beauty, love, and spiritual elevation).  Baudelaire explores the tension between the desire for an ideal, transcendent experience and the inevitable pull of human nature towards sin and degradation as well as melancholy and despair. This theme represents the poet’s inner struggle between his base instincts and his quest for purity and ideal beauty. The poet oscillates between moments of spiritual aspiration and periods of profound existential angst, symbolising the human condition’s inherent contradictions.

Baudelaire finds beauty in both the sublime and the grotesque. He challenges conventional notions of beauty and what is aesthetically pleasing by depicting decay, corruption, and death alongside traditional ideals of beauty. This is evident in his vivid descriptions of both the sublime and the sordid aspects of life. The fleeting nature of beauty and youth is a recurring motif, highlighting the transient and often elusive quality of beauty. The poems often juxtapose beauty with decay, reflecting on the ephemeral nature of life and the omnipresence of death.

Baudelaire’s exploration of erotic themes often reveals the corrupting and destructive potential of desire. He candidly addresses taboo subjects, merging sensuality with decadence. The poet delves into the complexities of forbidden and taboo forms of love, including the intertwining of pleasure and pain, reflecting the complexities of human sexuality.

Baudelaire paints vivid pictures of 19th-century Paris in Tableaux parisiens, capturing the essence of urban life with its contrasts and contradictions. His poetry reflects the bustling, often alienating experience of city life in which the city serves as both a muse and a source of alienation for the poet. The poems reflect the alienation and anonymity of city life, as well as the poet's ambivalent relationship with the modern metropolis.

In Révolte, Baudelaire’s poem often expresses defiance against societal norms, traditional morality, and religious orthodoxy. This rebellious spirit is a significant aspect of his work. The use of satanic and infernal imagery symbolises Baudelaire's rebellion against conventional values, the embrace of sin as a form of liberation and his exploration of the darker aspects of the human soul.

Death is a pervasive theme, with Baudelaire contemplating its inevitability and the transient nature of life. The poems delve into profound questions about the meaning of life, the nature of the soul, and the possibility of an afterlife. The poems explore existential questions about the meaning of life and the nature of the soul's journey after death, reflecting Baudelaire's preoccupation with mortality.

Baudelaire uses the term spleen to describe a state of profound melancholy and existential despair. This theme is central to many of the poems, reflecting the poet’s deep-seated sense of ennui. The poet frequently explores themes of boredom, depression, and the sense of futility that pervades human existence.

Baudelaire often uses natural imagery to reflect internal states and emotions, contrasting the natural world’s beauty with human suffering and decay. The poems occasionally delve into mystical and supernatural elements, suggesting a world beyond the physical and hinting at the possibility of transcendence.

Les Fleurs du mal has had a profound impact on modern poetry and literature. It is a rich and complex collection that explores a wide array of themes, many of which were revolutionary for its time. Baudelaire's innovative use of language, exploration of complex themes, and willingness to confront taboo subjects paved the way for later literary movements such as Symbolism and Modernism. His work continues to be studied and admired for its depth, beauty, and audacity. Baudelaire's masterful command of form and his exploration of the darker aspects of the human experience make Les Fleurs du mal a timeless and essential work in the canon of world literature. The collection remains a powerful exploration of the human condition, blending beauty and decay, desire and corruption, and existential contemplation in a way that continues to resonate with readers today.

I hope you enjoyed the nineteenth edition of Giselle daydreams.

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Giselle xx