Saturday, April 17, 2010

Seraphine, the house cleaning artist

This movie centers on Seraphine Louis, an untaught house cleaner in Senlis, France in the early 1900's, who cleans by day and paints by night. By accident her work is discovered by German art critic Wilhelm Unde who recognizes her genius and promotes her art, eventually launching her into fame and fortune. Seraphine is very religious and sings hymns as she paints by candlelight in her tiny attic room. This movie is moving, engrossing and beautifully done. It is based on a true story. The artists paintings are now in museums in various locales in France.Yolande Moreau is excellent. Highly recommended by Suki, soon to be famous movie critic.

13 comments:

Lisa at Greenbow said...

I would love to watch this movie.There again living in the country as I do this is not available. Sigh~~

Robin said...

OMG.......I JUST saw this last week on Netflix..... I was going to mention it to our Annie, but never got around to it......what an amzing artist - and what a powerful story!

I am so glad you saw it!

Love,

♥ Robin ♥

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

I just have to join Netflix...that's all there is to it! Thanks for sharing this!

Cris, Artist in Oregon said...

Well my Friend J has been after me to join netflix so I guess we better. this is wonderful. Thanks for the recomendation.

sixty-five said...

This sounds delightful. Have just ordered it from library. (we have an amazing interlibrary loan system here in northern NJ). Two art movies I saw recently and loved: Herb and Dorothy, and Basquiat.

Annie said...

It is on my list, did not know it had come out in DVD yet. Can't wait to see it! How inspiring! xoxo

Julie said...

Oh, thanks for telling me about this...can't wait to watch it with my dtr!!!

Umā said...

I will definitely check this out, thank you for the heads up!

Lynn Cohen said...

This looks beautiful. Iwill keep an eye open for it.

Just finished The People of the Book sitting outside on the patio in the last of a warm day.
Thanks again, I enjoyed it so much. I will offer it to my daughter next...and then to our group.

patti said...

I did see this movie traier advertised a while back and have still not seen it yet. Thanks for the review and the reminder to look out for it. Her art is so very beautiful.

How did she manage it on little or no sleep? I suppose passion for her painting was enough to keep her going.

sukipoet said...

Lisa, can't you join Netflix? I too live in the boonies with the nearest movie theater 45 minutes away. But Netflix delivers right to yr mailbox.

Sixty-five I have seen both Herb And Dorothy and Basquiat. Loved them both. Herb and Dorothy were such an inspiration. !!! Basquiat fascinating.

I probably should add here that the ending is rather depressing but no more so than Camile Claudel.

Kim said...

Suki, thank you for bringing this film to light for me. I rarely have time for films, however you have convinced me I need to pay more attention and keep a list of art films to watch! It also makes you wonder how much excellent art is out there to be discovered? You are wonderful, my friend!

kj said...

how could i NOT want to see this after famous critic suki's review and all these comments?!

suki, your header is gorgeous. you and your camera know how to capture the glow and spirit of water


kj