Today I've decided to present to you one of my favorite actresses Juliette Binoche. She played in many movies such as Chocolat and Bleu.
Blue is the story of Julie who loses her husband, an acclaimed European composer and her young daughter in a car accident. The film's theme of liberty is manifested in Julie's attempt to start life anew free of personal commitments, belongings grief and love. She intends to spiritually commit suicide by withdrawing from the world and live completely independently, anonymously and in solitude in the Parisian metropolis. Despite her intentions, people from her former and present life intrude with their own needs. However, the reality created by the people who need and care about her, a surprising discovery and the music around which the film revolves heals Julie and irresistibly draws her back to the land of the living.
Another interesting aspect of this film is the use of music instead of dialogue, her silence is a reference of her terrible loss and pain. The photography of the film and the beautiful and delicate face of Binoche contribute to the impact of BLEU.
Throughout the film blue is used extensively, there is a trace of it in practically every shot of the film, everything from people's clothes, the color of ink, the paint on walls and arches, the tint of the street and the water, etc. Blue is used "to create moods of melancholy and coldness, and to draw attention to the resonant emotional associations conjured up by objects and places in Julie's mind." The coloring perfectly reflects the mood of the film; it presents a very dismal and hopeless atmosphere full of solitude and melancholy, giving the viewer a visual insight into Julie's mind.
Here is the beginning of the movie. You will see an element of BLUE introduced in each scene:
It does have a happy ending. This movie is part of a Trilogy: Blue, White and Red (the colors of the flag of France). Blue stands for liberty, white for equality and red for fraternity. The theme of the movie BLUE is liberty and it is manifested by Julie's attempt to start life anew, free of personal commitments, belongings, grief and love. The character of Julie begs for self tolerance in the face of many enormous swings of faith that life can present. The message is that life is precarious, enjoy what you can, when you can!
Enjoy life now by joining Alphabe-Thursday's Alphabet Soup hosted by Jenny Matlock. Want to stir the alphabet soup? Just click HERE!
I did see the movie Chocolat - didn't that have Johnny Depp in it as well?
ReplyDeleteThe movie Blue - you describe it so interestingly. Siskell and Ebert - that was a long time ago, I'm from Chicago and remember them quite well.
We should enjoy life while we have it - I agree.
Thanks for coming over and visiting my blog and for following. I have really enjoyed yours too - very intersting.
sandie
Great post! I saw the movie Chocolat. Great movie and actress. I am glad I stopped by. Take care. Come see me soon. Anne
ReplyDeleteLoved "Chocolat" but missed out on "Bleu". Will check it out as your description sounds so interesting!
ReplyDeleteLovely post & have a lovely weekend,
LOLA:)
PS Mine this week is HERE. Hope you can join me!
I, too, saw Chocolat, but missed Bleu. Of course, I watch all my movies with subtitles, even the ones in English...because my ears aren't as young as they used to be. :)
ReplyDeleteI've never seen Bleu -- It looks interesting... I'll have to go check it out ;)
ReplyDeleteI've never seen either but they sound really interesting. I'll have to make a point to try to see them.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an interesting movie and I'll add it to my netflix list. I loved Chocolat!
ReplyDeleteI have not seen Bleu, but I loved Juliette in The English Patient. I'll have to add this one to my Netflix list.
ReplyDeleteHow cool that three movies were made for liberte, egalite, and fraternite. Really neat concept. I'll have to check them out.
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PS. I need to learn to make accent marks, but I don't know the html.
Have not heard of it ...it looks interesting...I will remember to look for it now...bkm
ReplyDeleteI've seen Chocolat, a few times. But not this movie. I should rent it someday soon.
ReplyDeleteLoved chocolat! But I have never heard of Bleu! It's on my netflix list now! Thanks for letting me know about it!
ReplyDeleteKristin
amazing!
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I totally forgot what I was going to write when I read "Enjoy life now!" Wow, that made me grin from ear to ear.
ReplyDeleteThis was an amazing movie review. I will have to rent this and try it when Mr. Jenny is otherwise occupied. I like Chocolat...he had another opinion.
Thank you for adding this smooth and rich post to our Alphabet Soup this week.
It made it extra delicious.
A+
this film sounds interesting and i love Juliette, she has amazing talent ... and she is so beautiful ... i will have to look for this film
ReplyDeleteShe is a great actress!
ReplyDeleteLove that movie! I'm linking to your blog for Pink Saturday since your site was new to me last week. Love it! Happy Pink Saturday in case we are busy packing tomorrow, too.
ReplyDeleteI watched Chocolat years ago, but my favorite of hers was Wuthering Heights. It is part of a movie collection my husband has given me throughout the years and I can watch it over and over and over. It is one of my top favorite movies. Sigh...now I have to watch it again. She's a great actress and I must watch this movie, Bleu, you are recommending.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of this movie before and your post makes me want to see it...imagine losing your spouse and child! Joni
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