EXHIBITION ON SCREEN : I, CLAUDE MONET
Directed by Phil Grabsky this is an autobiographical exploration of the great Impressionist painter Claude Monet’s life based on his voluminous correspondence (over 2500 letters). The letters are mellifluously, eloquently read by Henry Goodman and in the background there is a dreamy soundscape including compositions by Satie.
Many of Monet’s works, over a hundred, now scattered around the globe, are luminously photographed in closeup so we can see the swirling brushstrokes.
The film features glorious view of favourite Monet locations including Paris and Giverny and we can see the changes that have taken place since Monet’s time.
Black and white photographs and interiors of various galleries are also shown. The cluttered house and museum at Giverny is featured and the garden is ravishing.
We see various series of paintings Monet worked on including The Waterlilies series, as well as works inspired by various visits he made to different cities including London, Antigua and Venice.
I, MONET is arranged chronologically and we follow Monet’s constant financial woes and struggles and the constant begging letters he sent.
There is also much made of his relationship with his agent/dealer Paul Durand-Ruel. Monet’s letters document his encounters and friendships with fellow Impressionist artists including Eugene Boudin, Camille Pissarro, Auguste Renoir and even his interactions with Prime Minister George Clemenceau.
Monet at times suffered from overbearing feelings of depression, loneliness, even suicide. What emerges is a deep, well rounded portrait of an artist who was battered by more than his fair share of trials and discouragement. The scenes around the birth of his children and death of his first wife Camille were especially moving – with his wife being very supportive of his artwork.
We see both glorious portraits of Camille, including Woman In Green, and the haunting death bed portrait that he painted of her.
We also learn of his relationship with his second wife Alice. Monet was terrified yet extremely proud at becoming a father. He was extremely hardworking and very self critical
There is the time he almost drowns as he gets picked up and dumped by dangerous waves which he ignores whilst he is painting.
Towards the end of his life Monet had major eye problems and at one point feared he would be blind.
We learn about his working technique, how he would often have several paintings in progress at the same time whilst working in a particular light.
We learn of Monet’s patriotism and his struggles to survive during World War 1 – “As for me, I’m staying here all the same, and if those savages must kill me, it will be in the middle of my canvases, in front of my life’s work.”
This was an elegant, well put together, insightful documentary.
Exhibition on Screen’s I, MONET is screening at selected arthouse cinemas.
Running time 90 mins without interval.
http://exhibitiononscreen.com/en-uk/our-films/season-4/i-claude-monet
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