Blue is the Warmest Colour

I remember reading an article a while back about French actress Lea Seydoux a native of Paris, France and about her film recognition and debut in America with the French Film ‘A vie d’Adele’ in which she starred alongside Greek/French Adele Exarchopoulos; and in her interview she exposed that she never had an interest in film or to make films and it just came to be. I also read that this film was getting a lot of “talk” because of its graphic lesbian sexual content. It was said to be the longest and most intense love-making scene between two women. It also received 69 wins and another 48 nominations in 2013 when it was released including one from the Golden Globe.

I was outraged to hear yet again of an actress ‘downplaying her blessings’ because of her privileged background and having the opportunity of challenging and meaningful roles and saying things like, “Acting is stupid.” It turns out that despite her un-inspiring and un-grateful interview, this French actress has been around long before this provocative film. You may remember Lea Seydoux from ‘Inglorious Bastards’, ‘The Grand Budapest Hotel, and ‘Ghost Protocol’ to name a few; she has been steadily working in France since 2006. 

Once heterosexual women are able to get past the graphic and very intense love-making scenes between these two actresses’ then one can focus on the brilliance and beauty of this film. Men will probably adore it; because of this ‘soft-pornographic’ and ‘invasive’ angles of cameras of women having orgasms but if we omit that (maybe an hour of the 3 full hours of the film); viewers can really admire the beautiful love story, exploration and transformation of young girl to woman in this tale. 

Initially planned to be shot in 2 months writer/director Tunisian Abdellatif Kechiche took nearly five and a half months to complete it. Spending a full 10 days on all the explicit sexual scenes and over 800 hours of footage shot. Both actresses’ said that making this film was challenging and exhausting as director Kechiche really kept pushing them with sometimes 100 takes for one scene and keeping the camera rolling when they were sleeping, eating and taking the bus. For curious minds - prosthetic vaginas were used in scenes for oral sex but everything else was complete commitment on the ‘straight’ actresses’ part. 

This film was definitely a nod for ‘gay-pride’ whatever your beliefs may be; and showed that love is real and intense no matter the people. It was in my opinion a little bit too long; but enticing, thought-provoking and exquisite cinematography enough to keep me glued to my screen. There was expert research done, and marvelous discussions on philosophy, art, and sexuality. This film really touched my heart and the acting (not speaking of the sex-scenes) was honestly some of the best I’ve seen. Both girls were naturals and took great direction. Although I believe sexual situations and especially as invasive as it was in this film should be left to the imagination and not displayed for the world to see.  It really showed the high level of vulnerability, strength and belief these girls had for their craft and in telling this story. It shows in the emotions portrayed though out. ‘JourneywithJair’ recommended!