New film explores adolescence and history
A new film titled La Gradiva, directed by Marine Atlan, explores themes of adolescence and history through the lens of a school trip to Pompeii. The film uses the ancient site as a backdrop to examine the emotional and psychological landscapes of young people.Premiere and visual elements
The film, which premiered at the Semaine de la critique in May last year, features scenes of teenagers interacting with Greco-Roman statues and the remnants of bodies preserved by the lava of Mount Vesuvius. These visual elements serve as a metaphor for the characters’ own emotional states and historical reflections.Title’s literary inspiration
The title references a short story by Wilhelm Jensen, which inspired Freud's theories on dreams, involving an archaeologist obsessed with a Roman-era bas-relief depicting a woman walking. This literary reference adds a layer of psychological depth to the film’s narrative and visual motifs.Emotional range and narrative style
The film's narrative spans a range of emotions, from distress to desire, anger, and love, and is noted for its non-linear script and lack of major plot twists. This approach emphasizes character development and emotional resonance over conventional storytelling.Casting and director’s background
The film features Antonia Buresi as the teacher chaperoning the group, alongside more than a dozen young actors and actresses, including Colas Quignard, Suzanne Gerin, and Mitia Capellier-Audat. Marine Atlan, who has previously worked as a cinematographer on several notable first films, won the Grand Prix at Clermont-Ferrand in 2016 for her short film Les Amours vertes.Comparisons and release date
La Gradiva is compared to Gus Van Sant's tetralogy of death for its focus on walking, adolescence, and the desire to overturn the world. The film is set for theatrical release on October 21.
