Criterion Collection Releases for 2020: PORTRAIT OF A LADY ON FIRE (Spine No. 1034)

For more information about this release, please check the Criterion Collection website at:
www.criterion.com/films/30469...
The essay by Ela Bittencourt can be found here:
www.criterion.com/current/pos...
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1:32 Brief comments on the film and the release
12:41 The supplements: Interview with Celine Sciamma
21:35 The supplements: Interviews with Adele Haenel and Noemie Merlant
27:54 The supplements: Interview with Claire Mathon
29:30: The supplements: Interview with Helene Delmaire
30:58: The artwork, booklet, essay, and other comments
35:54 Special thanks to Luke at RazorwireReviews and to all my friends who recommended this film to me
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Thank you to my friend Luke at the great KZbin Channel RazorwireReviews. Please check it out and subscribe to it:
/ razorwirereviews
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Opening credits music:
Mario Bava Sleeps In a Little Later Than He Expected To by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: chriszabriskie.com/vendaface/
Artist: chriszabriskie.com/
Closing credits music:
Divider by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution license (creativecommons.org/licenses/...)
Source: chriszabriskie.com/divider/
Artist: chriszabriskie.com/
*****

[@spacemonkey4811]

This is an absolute masterpiece, so annoys that this version is not getting a u.k. release.

[@nerdommeetsboy]

The UK release still has the commentary and paintings time lapse so I'm happy with that release

[@DaisukeBeppu]

As Marcy Webb said: www.amazon.co.uk/Portrait-Lady-Blu-ray-No%C3%A9mie-Merlant/dp/B0859R3D74/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3VJRJ7C3CZCI&dchild=1&keywords=portrait+of+a+lady+on+fire&qid=1593338653&sprefix=portra%2Caps%2C1147&sr=8-2

[@spacemonkey4811]

@@DaisukeBeppu Thanks, this is the version I have. It's lovely though I understand the Criterion has a better translation/sub-titeling then the Curzon/Artificial Eye version. It is that which causes me most to be peeved about this. I see that multi-regional blu ray players are now a lot easier to get than when I bought my blu ray player 12 years ago. I am thinking about updating my device, this would also give the other benefit of being able to get other films on blu that are not available in the u.k. such as Mike Leigh's Naked, Ateenberg and some of the catalogue of my beloved Almodovar. I'm hoping to still get refunds from trips that have had to be cancelled this year and if they come through, my plan is to tackle this. Thanks again and also just to say I really enjoyed your thoughts on the film, it is a knockout.

[@dustinlewis3636]

This film was such an emotional experience on so many levels. From the incredible cinematography(the film was shot in 8k apparently) to the amazing performances. Especially from Adèle Haenel. I thought about the movie for days after seeing it. It has become one of my absolute favorites. Great video as always Daisuke. Take care!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello my dear friend and thank you so much for this. Oh yes, Adele Haenel's performance as Heloise is so wonderful. You are absolutely correct. And yes, it has the power to linger in the mind and in one's heart after watching it. You are so correct about this my friend.

[@victordiego7791]

InstaBlaster.

[@rahultej2248]

The profound feeling you experienced is so strong that you seem like you are in a revelation while trying very hard present those indescribable feelings. You are a rare person who, even after a film became so public and all over, can still experience it in so personal, intimate way, forgetting that this a thing that many watched, and just revel in it as if it is in your subconsciousness. I just got this feeling from the way you talked about it.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much for this. Wow, I am very honored that you would write such a great comment like this here. I am very very honored. And I think what happened for me was that I did not see it until very recently, and as a result I did not read many reviews about the film before. So in many ways this is a "first time" experience for me.

[@HEARTMACHINEPLUSULTRA]

What a film this is! One of the best romance stories ever put to film in my opinion. Sciamma is a class act.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

My dear friend, thank you so much for this. It is so romantic and so full of love and passion and humanity and honesty. It is so wonderful. You are so right my friend.

[@Kruegersbutthole]

I was fortunate enough to see this film in theaters and the day I got the Criterion my brother asked if he could watch it. We were unable to finish the film due to several factors but something that really struck me was that, and I've never had a home video release do this to me before, as soon as the first scene began I was instantly transported back to the theater. The color accuracy, the quality, everything about this release was so close to the actual theater experience that I felt the most euphoric sense of deja vu. It was almost as if I had gone back in time, as if I was right there in the theater watching it for the first time, but I knew it wasn't the first time because the feeling was so familiar. If you were unable to see this film in theaters, watching this release in the proper setting is almost an identical experience and I'm so grateful to Criterion for providing that. I have not seized the opportunity to read the essay or view the supplements yet but I am very much looking forward to it.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much for this. I wish I could have seen this in the theater! I can only imagine how powerful and overwhelming the experience must be to see this in the theater on a large screen.

[@landonmccarlson]

I know this video is a couple months old but I still feel inclined to comment on this. I saw this film 2 days ago and sense then I haven’t stop thinking about it. It’s not just in the back of mind and I remember some of my favorite scenes, no I am constantly analyzing and figuring out the films themes and messages. This film immersed me into its world and story like non other and the care I felt for the 2 lead characters was probably the most in any film I’ve ever watched. This is a great film and I would go as far as to say it’s one of the greatest of all time.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Wow, thank you so much for sharing your reaction to this great film. Wow... I am very impressed. You express it so very clearly and very well. Cheers my dear friend.

[@tylerr3740]

Im very new to movies, i really started getting more into them this year and a little last year. I first watched this back in December and I couldn’t stop thinking about it, I’ve watched it 4 more times since then, and this is pretty easily my favorite movie I’ve seen up to this point. There’s so many absolutely incredible and intimate moments all leading up to probably the most devastating last 10 minutes I’ve seen so far. I will never forget this movie. Great video.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello and thank you so much for the comment. And yes, it is such a memorable film and holds up so well after many viewings. You are right!

[@ElijahCinema]

One of the best films of last year! Was able to see a showing in LA earlier this year with a live Q/A with Celine Sciamma. Great experience overall!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Wow! I am very very jealous! That is wonderful. Do you remember some of the things that she said in her Q/A? I am sure that it must have been such a great experience. That is really wonderful my friend. Truly wonderful.

[@calebhaas2]

Excellent film, one of my favorites! Keep up the great work!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Caleb, thank you very much. This one really overwhelmed me. I was so caught off guard actually in how I responded to it. Such a brilliant experience. Thank you again my friend, and cheers.

[@rahultej2248]

I love the way how you gave the word ‘accessibility’ a whole deeper meaning in the context. It is generally used to say how ‘entertaining’ and watchable for the popular audience. But, you used it as a representation of how closer to your heart the film and its feeling can get and how you can be able to look ‘into’ it. I think you get the nuance.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Wow... thank you so much for noticing that! Yes, I wanted to use the word "accessibility" to try to describe how one can enter "into" the film, paradoxically, when considering that the film is a period historical film.

[@davidheard2674]

Love that you enjoyed it so much! I recommend her other films. Water Lilies and Tomboy are amazing. I am yet to see Girlhood though.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

My dear friend David, it is so good to hear from you as always. I hope you are well. Yes, I was really taken by this. I was so overwhelmed and I wasn't expecting to be this impacted by the film as I was. An amazing experience.

[@Evan-cp9of]

One of my favorites of 2019. Great video!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello Evan, and thank you so much for this. I really appreciate it. Have a great rest of your weekend.

[@Evan-cp9of]

Thank you!

[@ryandavis280]

Great video my friend, subbed. I’m a huge fan of the movie as well. It was the last film I saw in cinema actually.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello Ryan Davis, and thank you so much for subscribing to the channel. I really appreciate you doing that. And, that is really great about this. I was never able to see this in the theater. I can imagine how beautiful the film must have been on the big screen, considering in particular how powerful the images and music are. Thank you so much for sharing this my friend, and please continue to be well and stay safe during these times.

[@mai_m92]

I really enjoyed Tomboy but nothing prepared me for Portrait of a Lady on Fire. What an absolute masterpiece. Beautiful film, words are not enough to explain the experience of watching this. I can't help but feel like Sciamma has achieved in this film what many other films have tried but lacked heart and passion to achieve, which is a film as a painting. The love between two women as a piece of art. In my opinion, that last scene is the embodiment of what is the essence of love, of life and ultimately of art and cinema. It slowly but steadily builds up into this overwhelming wave of emotions. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Daisuke! Another Criterion release that I'll be adding to my wishlist for sure.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much Maira! And yes you are so right about how the film was able to capture the essence of painting and emotion and artistic expression as linked in the way that the film portrays. I agree with you my friend

[@dayiss]

Amazing video!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

You are very kind. Thank you very much 😊

[@latenightdoublefeaturepict2048]

Hello Daisuke my very good friend / I’ve not seen this film as of yet but your wonderful video leaves me wanting to remedy that immediately- Thank you.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

My dear dear friend, thank you so much. If you manage to get this, I would love to hear your thoughts on it at any time!

[@TheTennesseeGeek]

I'll be ordering this next month as part of the sale. I've not had a chance to watch it. I'm very excited!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Oh wonderful! And when you order it and it arrives, please let me know what you think about it. I hope you are well and cheers my friend!

[@TheTennesseeGeek]

@@DaisukeBeppu I will! Thanks

[@kuismase]

saw this one movies and last movie i watched in cinema 2019 too. this is not just a movie , its art

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much! Yes, this is such a brilliant work.

[@Jared_Wignall]

Never heard of this film. I’m also surprised to find out that this film was released in 2019. Seems like a pretty new film that’s released in the criterion collection. Thank you for the video Daisuke. I hope you’re doing well.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much as always my dear friend, and once again, CONGRATULATIONS regarding your KZbin channel!!!!

[@Jared_Wignall]

You’re welcome and thank you again Daisuke!

[@thehorsebox1203]

Hi Daisuke, I'm so glad you enjoyed the movie. as you very aptly commented, in this film there is no extra diegetic music. Honestly I listen to more music from movies (scores) than bands or singers. So I love diegetic music, more like musical taste than how it is used in movies. In that sense, I find the use of diegetic music more interesting as in Edward Yang's cinema. On the other hand, thinking about the endings that have impacted me the most, these have music. Magnolia, Beau Travail or Fight Club, to name a few. the end of POALOF is one of these because my heart beat like a drum when listening to that epic concert.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much, and yes, you bring up an interesting point about the way that the music is used in the film and when compared to others. And I agree about the ending of this film!!!

[@FranciscoGomes-qk8dg]

My favorite film of 2019! I want an uk release asap!!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello my friend! Yes, it is so great. So, I am not sure whether or not CRITERION will release it in the UK. However, I know that a non-Criterion release is available in the UK: www.amazon.co.uk/Portrait-Lady-Blu-ray-No%C3%A9mie-Merlant/dp/B0859R3D74/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3VJRJ7C3CZCI&dchild=1&keywords=portrait+of+a+lady+on+fire&qid=1593338653&sprefix=portra%2Caps%2C1147&sr=8-2

[@TTykwer]

Portrait of a Lady on Fire was my pic for best international/foreign movie at the 2019 Oscars.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

It is such a great film!

[@joeljacobsson47]

I have purchased this film and I am waiting for it to arrive but I am so excited to watch it :) hope you are well my friend!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much, Joel. When it arrives, please let me know! I would love to hear your thoughts on it at anytime my friend. Please continue to be well and cheers.

[@joeljacobsson47]

Daisuke Beppu I got the film today and I watched it right away! I am really blown away by this film, it is visually stunning! One of the most beautiful films I have seen, every shot was like a painting. The story between the two women was beautiful and sad. I really loved it :)

[@rahultej2248]

Hey! I absolutely LOVE this movie so much. I can't actually describe my thoughts on it. Some films are so exquisite that any attempt of putting them into words feels like an act of violence. Haha. I am not yet a collector of physical media. But, when I will be one, I am sure this will be the first Criterion I will buy. Hope you are doing well. My regards.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much my dear friend. And you phrase it so interestingly, suggesting a real intuitive experience that you had based on a strong emotional reaction to the work. This is such a brilliantly phrased comment as always from you. Absolutely brilliant.

[@rahultej2248]

Daisuke Beppu 🙂 Thank you so much, Daisuke. And I always love your positivity and appreciative, encouraging ways.

[@christopherthomason]

Finally watched this yesterday for the first time (as bought on DVD), I must say it was a good viewing experience for me (love how Sciamma tells it nicely). Happy to hear your opinion, too, Daisuke.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello and that is so great! I am glad to hear that you were able to see the film my friend. I hope you are well and please have a nice rest of your weekend.

[@christopherthomason]

@@DaisukeBeppu Indeed, and thanks! (

[@Beeurself49999]

Do they have director commentary and English subtitle for that on DVD or Criterion Collection?

[@christopherthomason]

@@Beeurself49999 There is no director commentary for that release but there is still English subtitles on disc.

[@Beeurself49999]

@@christopherthomason Thank you very much for your reply.

[@thomaswilke6312]

You sold me on it. I will buy it at the forthcoming Barnes and Noble 50% off sale

[@DaisukeBeppu]

I am so happy to hear that, my friend. Thank you so much!! I hope you are well.

[@marcl4000]

Hello Daisuke. I was actually interested of seeing this movie since it got a print with Criterion. It think it was a big success in France. I’ll try to view it this weekend before listening to your video. Speaking of artist (painter) were you supposed to do a video about Jacques Rivette’s «La belle noiseuse» (1991) ? Just asking I don’t remember if it was you who talked about this film or not. It was presented on Arte channel and I was tempted to see it again.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello my dear friend. And thank you so much! You know, I have been thinking about doing something on this channel regarding more of the works of Jacques Rivette, and so while I cannot promise anything, I will certainly try. And yes, La belle noiseuse!

[@marcl4000]

@@DaisukeBeppu Thanks for your response Daisuke. I’ve seen «La belle noiseuse» a long time ago but as I remember it it seems to be one of the best film about an artist and its model. I’m hoping to view the «portrait of a lady...» this week. Cheers!

[@MarlinAmada]

I’ve been waiting for your thoughts on this film. I’m wondering if you’ve seen The Lighthouse, which I feel like is the dark polar opposite to this film

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much! So, I admit that I have not yet seen The Lighthouse, but I have heard many great things about it. I will try to watch it very soon. Thank you so much for recommending it to me. I hope you are well.

[@zemoderno]

Great Daisuke, we are really facing a visual work, where every detail, especially the fire, fits with the intimacy of the two protagonists. The painter's attempt to absorb the character onto her canvas is masterfully presented in the film. I narrowly feared that the film was just a feminist manifesto, which could limit the characters' freedom and contradictions. Fortunately the film manages to be more. I remembered Mizoguchi and his female characters.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

I really love this comment! You make reference to a great point about intimacy and the power of art to inspire and to make us feel. This is such a vital and critical aspect of this film. You are so right about this my friend.

[@VanessaButtino]

This film has been on my radar since it came out and I can't believe I still haven't watched it yet. At some point in the future, I will probably end up purchasing the Criterion blu-ray edition of it, but for now I'm going to buy the digital copy so that I can stop putting it off and watch it right away. If any of your Canadian viewers are reading this comment, the film is currently on sale on iTunes for $7.99

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello Vanessa, and thank you so much. And thank you for the information about iTunes! This is very helpful. When you get to see the film, I would love to hear your thoughts on it. Any time my friend, you are always welcome here. And have a lovely rest of your weekend, and stay safe and be well.

[@VanessaButtino]

@@DaisukeBeppu Hi Daisuke! I started watching Portrait of a Lady on Fire last night and managed to get 50 minutes into it before falling asleep (I'll watch the second half of the film today). I really enjoyed it and that first scene sucked me in right away. I loved how quiet and serene the film was - so peaceful and calm. I actually felt a physical sense of calm wash over me as I got deeper and deeper into the story. The colours were so vivid and sharp, too, and it almost felt as if I was watching a painting brought to life. Beautiful film and utterly captivating performances from the two leads. Can't wait to immerse myself in that world again tonight and finish watching the film.

[@nerdommeetsboy]

I had to watch the disc within a couple of days of its arrival, and also order on release, which I very rarely do. I think most people will come across this on Hulu or MUBI where it's been streaming or on this disc compared to cinemas, it's just where things are now

[@nerdommeetsboy]

I think in the commentary on the UK disc one of the elements discussed is that only one green dress is period accurate, the rest is adapted and somewhat modernised

[@nerdommeetsboy]

That booklet image which connects together is what is used for the UK Blu-ray cover

[@DaisukeBeppu]

That is so interesting. I don't have the release with the commentary but I think I really want to listen to it. Who provides the commentary by the way? And that is interesting what you say about the dresses. According to Sciamma in her interview on the Criterion disc, she mentions briefly how she insists that the work is free from anachronisms, and that even the dresses are accurate (when she speaks about pockets). So, your comment about how most of the dresses are "adapted and somewhat modernized" is very interesting. I am not an expert and so I cannot know for sure.

[@nerdommeetsboy]

@@DaisukeBeppu The commentary is mainly Sciamma but has a few interjections with Adèle Haenel, Noémie Merlant, and Claire Mathon. However I'm sure some of the comments crossover and cover the same ground as what is said in the interviews on the Criterion. It's possible I might have misinterpreted or misremembered what she said from a different context

[@timecapsule5604]

Great period film from last year about a painter in france who is commisioned to do a wedding portrait of a young woman who who has just left the convent .Also Daisuke there is a inknown film bt George Romero called the Amusement Park it was a film that was funded by the lutheran society about ageism and elder abuse its about an elderly man played by Lincoln Maazel from Martin eho finds himself disoriented and isolated as the pains tragedies and humiliations of aging in america are manifested through roller coasters and chaotic crowds cant eait to see this film

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much for your comment as always my friend. You always provide us with your great film knowledge!

[@southendonseaarts]

Waiting on my copy arriving from rarewaves

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Oh great! When it arrives, please let me know what you think of it! Take care and have a nice rest of your weekend my friend.

[@karenkaren3189]

Question. I don’t have a TV or DVD player, etc. Are there options for an IPad That’s all I have right now.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

I think the film is available on streaming on Amazon Prime: www.amazon.com/Portrait-Lady-Fire-No%C3%A9mie-Merlant/dp/B087KTK3RK Also, I am not sure if it is available now, but for other Criterion releases there is the Criterion Channel: www.criterionchannel.com/ I hope that helps!

[@karenkaren3189]

Daisuke Beppu Yes, I don’t have Amazon Prime, but will definitely check out the Criterion Channel. Thanks!

[@LeonardoJJardim]

I'd love to see on Criterion Collection Amélie "Le Fabuleux Destin d' Amélie Poulain" (2001) Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet.

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much, Leonardo! Cheers.

[@theowlreviewerofficial]

I think I know what I'm gonna get at the BnB Criterion sale

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Oh wonderful! Yes, the sale is looking like it will start on the 10th. I hope you are able to get it and when you do, please let me know what you think about the Criterion release. Cheers my friend.

[@Animescene23]

Your french is good

[@DaisukeBeppu]

You are very kind. Thank you.

[@Pablo-ek7ts]

I came here for the ASMR 🥰

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Hello and thank you so much. You are very kind to say that! Wow! Thank you so much. Have a wonderful rest of your weekend my friend, and cheers.

[@filmlover6310]

C

[@filmlover6310]

that’s the criterion logo

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much! That is a very creative comment. I like it. Cheers.

[@filmlover6310]

thanks for the great content, i appreciate your positivity a lot. cheers :)

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Lol gotem not at all, and thank you. You left behind some very creative comments and questions and so it is I who am very grateful to you! 😃 I hope you are well and cheers.

[@MrSwisha18]

This is one of my favorite films in a long time and I'm so happy it's in the collection! I led my movie recommendation video with it, in fact, here's a link, if you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHeViH6YnqaYaqM . Brilliant video Diaskue! I can't wait for "Come and See" next week, I've never seen it, and I am beyond excited!

[@DaisukeBeppu]

Thank you so much. And I tried the link that you provided, but I couldn't find any video. I am sorry to ask, but could you send me the link again if that is OK? Sorry to bother you with that my friend.

[@MrSwisha18]

@@DaisukeBeppu I'm so sorry, this one should work! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mHeViH6YnqaYaqM