Renoir

NOT AVAILABLE ANYMORE TO STREAM ON NETFLIX. NOW AVAILABLE ON NETFLIX DVD. It never hurts to kick back, transport yourself to 1915 in Côte d’Azur, and feast your eyes upon a live French painting. 

Last year, Gilles Bourdos' Renoir, based on the last days of the world renowned impressionist painter, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, was nominated as France's foreign-language entry for the Oscars. Although it was not selected for the coveted Academy Award, it will win a spot in your heart during your next French Netflix viewing.
 
How absolutely fascinating it was to witness the death of one Renoir's genius simultaneously with the dawning of the next. Golden haired beauty Andrée Heuschling (Christa Theret) is, of course, picturesque as Auguste's last muse, and Jean's first.
 
As a refresher, Jean Renoir, (Vincent Rottiers) son of Auguste Renoir (Michel Bouquet), went on to become one of the highest quality filmmakers who's ever lived, influencing the likes of Francois Truffaut, "Nouvelle Vague"s golden boy.
 
The heart of Renoir however, was the vulnerable and open Andrée, inspiring both remarkable artists, father and son, for the first time.
 
As far as style is concerned, be sure to turn your volume up, as about 75% of the movie is hushed whispers, tense looks, and scenic tranquility. The annual Cesar award was given for best costume design, and it shows. Altogether, the film stages a beautiful calm of the classic Victorian era, before the storm of the roaring 20s… or a the French call it, "The Crazy Years!"
 
Nicole Eicholtz
 

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