In the sprawling period movie 'Rosa Bonheur,' directed by Fabienne Berthaud and starring Melanie Laurent, the fascinating life of a trailblazing feminist and artist in 19th century France will be brought to the big screen. Produced by Haut et Court, the same company behind acclaimed films like 'Coco Before Chanel' and 'The Night of the 12th,' this biopic aims to shed light on the immense talent and legacy of Rosa Bonheur.
Rosa Bonheur, known for her meticulous realism in depicting animals in their natural habitats, was a woman ahead of her time. She was the first female artist to receive the prestigious Legion of Honor, an accolade bestowed upon her by the Empress of France, Eugénie, who declared, 'Talent has no gender.' Despite societal norms and expectations, Bonheur pursued her passion relentlessly, defying conventions and carving her own path.
One aspect of Bonheur's life that made her a true rebel was her personal life. She never married and instead lived with a woman, first with her partner Nathalie Micas and later with Anna Klumpke, an American painter. Bonheur's choice to wear pants, which required her to obtain a cross-dressing permit from the Paris police, further challenged societal norms. She argued that dressing like a man was necessary for her artwork, as it allowed her to visit places like slaughterhouses and animal fairs to capture her subjects with authenticity.
Despite being perceived as an eccentric, Bonheur achieved immense fame and fortune during her lifetime. Her paintings were sold worldwide, and she even acquired her own château at the age of 40. Her financial independence was particularly remarkable for an artist, especially a woman, in that era. Bonheur's determination to succeed stemmed from her difficult childhood, growing up in poverty and witnessing her mother's death from exhaustion while raising four children alone.
Fabienne Berthaud, the director of 'Rosa Bonheur,' has a penchant for telling stories of strong women who have a deep connection with animals and nature. Her previous films, such as 'Lily Sometimes' and 'A Bigger World,' exhibit this thematic thread. Berthaud described the movie as an ode to bold women, animals, and free love. Through Bonheur's story, the film aims to honor her incredible achievements as well as explore themes of female emancipation.
To bring authenticity to the film, Berthaud is working closely with Katherine Brault, who purchased the Château de By, Bonheur's well-preserved atelier in Thomery, and transformed it into a museum. The château's attics provided a treasure trove of artifacts such as letters, artwork, and documents from over a century ago, which Berthaud will incorporate into the movie.
Rosa Bonheur's international acclaim will also be explored in the film, including her friendship with William Frederick Cody, famously known as Buffalo Bill. Bonheur's most iconic work, 'The Horse Fair,' a massive 16-foot canvas unveiled in 1853, currently resides at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Melanie Laurent, a multi-talented artist and outspoken feminist, has been cast in the role of Rosa Bonheur. Laurent is recognized for her successful performances in films like Quentin Tarantino's 'Inglorious Basterds,' as well as her own directorial ventures such as 'Breathe' and 'Galveston.'
'Rosa Bonheur' promises to be a captivating cinematic experience that celebrates the life and legacy of a remarkable woman who defied societal norms and paved the way for future generations of female artists. By highlighting Bonheur's extraordinary talent, indomitable spirit, and unwavering dedication to her craft, this film seeks to give her the recognition she deserves.
