| RATING: | 80% |
| FORMAT: | DVD |
The original Mrs Mopp, Séraphine de Senlis was an outstanding exponent of the Naïve School of Art. Her work was informed by her Catholic religion and a belief, akin to madness, that she was divinely inspired. Like all artists, she can do no other than listen to the little voice inside herself telling her what she must do to fulfill herself - no matter what the cost.
This numinousness is the film’s biggest plus and helps distract from the strict adherence to historical fact that produces a somewhat broken-backed narrative. Indeed, the story threatens to come to a dead stop, since it takes place over too many years for a two-hour movie. This partly ruins its emotional arc and risks losing its audience by cheating us of emotions that really need to be continually held for their greatest effect.
Ultimately, what holds the film together is the miraculous performance of Yolande MOREAU. Her habitation of the character is total and helps compensate for the unanswered question haunting the film: Why does Man need Art?
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