La Vie d’Adèle – Chapitres 1 & 2, also known as Blue Is The Warmest Colour, is a french romantic drama that was released in 2013. It was directed by Abdellatif Kechiche, who starred Adèle Exarchopoulos as Adèle and Léa Seydoux as the co-lead Emma. Adèle, an aspiring high-school actress falls in love with an upcoming artist Emma, who has an iconic blue hairstyle. The film focuses on various elements of self perception such as love, the journey of self discovery, and perception from society’s lens.
Synopsis
Adèle’s life gets transformed when she meets an artist named Emma. The artist embodies everything Exarchopoulo’s character adores, from Emma’s outrageous sense of fashion to her wide array of beliefs. What starts off as a chance meeting grows into something so much more, and transforms into a very powerful emotional and physical experience of awakening. However while this is happening, Adèle has to deal with her identity, desires, fullfilling societal goals, and acheiving what she wants in life.
Cast
- Adèle Exarchopoulos as Adèle
- Léa Seydoux as Emma
Reception & Awards The movie was praised massively when it came out as it won the Palme d’Or award on Cannes Film Festival in 2013. The performance by the co-stars were nothing less than exceptional which is exactly why Kechiche, along with the two lead actresses were entitled to the award. The film was appreciated greatly as critics enjoyed the unique, raw and a profound take on love. As of now on Rotten Tomatoes the movie holds an 88% rating with over 200 reviews.
The Guardian noted it to be “an intense and emotionally draining story of a lesbian relationship.”
Controversies
The film also received criticism, especially concerning its explicit sex scenes. Critics claimed that female sexuality was being oversimplified and oppressed by the male gaze. One of the film’s critics, Julie Maroh, who created the graphic novel the film adapts, commented on the sex scenes saying they were “pornographic” and did not portray “a woman’s reality” albeit a lesbian one. Furthermore, both lead actresses reported difficult working conditions during the filming which reignited debates on the treatment of actors on set.
Cultural Impact
Blue is the Warmest Colour is regarded as an essential title in LGBTQ+ cinema and television due to the level of detail given to character development and the infusion of love and the identity societal pressures into a singular work. Its portrayal of a same sex relationship was a step towards further redefining the standards of authenticity and representation in film.
Personal Insights
This film captures one’s first love and the process of coming to terms with one’s self in an honest light. Exarchopoulos and Seydoux’s performances are so immersive as they portray the complexities of love, heartbreak, and growth.
The film’s running time and graphic material might be difficult for some spectators, but the sentiments and emotions attached to the characters would always guarantee a unique experience.
