Illuminata

[adina]

I've read an article about Brandon Cole where he said the story of Imperfect Love (it's his play which was the starting-point when John Turturro and Cole wrote the script of Illuminata) was inspired by the relationships between the famous Italian actress, Eleonora Duse, her French rival, Sarah Bernhardt and the writer Gabriele D'Annunzio.

The film has a beautiful finale and a "happy end". Well, in real life Gabriele D'Annunzio wrote four plays for Duse but when he gave the lead for the premier of the play La Città morta to Sarah Bernhardt instead of her, there was a furious fight, and Duse ended her affair with him. (See Dominique's anger in the "You bastard" scene -- …for HER…in Paris ;D)

"Ibsen is like this room where we are sitting, with all the tables and chairs. Do I care whether you have twenty or twenty-five links on your chain? Hedda Gabler, Nora and the rest: it is not that I want! I want Rome and the Coliseum, the Acropolis, Athens; I want beauty, and the flame of life." (Duse)

I like the beauty of the film, the gorgeous settings and the colours, the whole "fin de siecle" feeling, and yes, I like the flame of life in it.

[kissmekate]

Thanks for that background info, adina! Very interesting.

And a lovely quote from Duse "Beauty and the flame of life" sums up Rufus's acting quite well

[robela]

Received this dvd today and watched last night not knowing what to expect. I was a bit confused with the film although thought right from the start that Rufus' acting was superb. The cast in this were all actors of good repute.
After reading the wonderful review by KMS and other Rufgirls views and the insight into the origin of the storey by Adina it has enabled me to understand it a bit more.
I agree that the lead actors were not as good as the stalwarts and I have to admit to nodding off in the middle for a short time.
I thought Rufus played this part to perfection and was so moved by the end scene which was just enthralling.
I will be watching again with more understanding and more appreciation. Thanks for the info.

[zenina]

I watched Illuminata last night. Don't know yet what I think about it. Fairly confusing but still fun to watch and with some very memorable scenes - namely of course all scenes Rufus was in but also others.
I wasn't in the best of moods last night so I think I will watch it again when I'm feeling better.
The last scene with Dominique performing was heartbreakingly beautiful.
I know there are already quite some pics in the thread, but as I was anyway doing screencaps, I'd like to share the best one's with you. (they are slightly bigger than the one's we have, hope that is okay)

[zenina]

[zenina]

the tear

eyelashes


to be in her shoes

[zenina]

;D

[kissmekate]

Oh. How beautiful. You absolutely made my day!

It's a film worth re-watching. I loved it instantly but it's one of those movies that may need a second or third run to be fully appreciated.

[zenina]

Well that is good then ;D

Yes I agree, it certainly needs rewatching, it is not a film that draws you in immediately (in my opinion) and I might understand it better next time. But Rufus as Dominique alone is worth the DVD.

[kissmekate]

Absolutely. And, for me, it was a nice surprise how much Rufus actually is in the film, I hadn't expected so much of him and then I got not only lots of screentime but also this magnificent final scene

[robela]

Well done Zenina for all those pics. You never disappoint.
I agree with you about the film need to watch a couple more times to appreciate but Rufus superb as usual!

[tipou]

oh i love this movie.
another unsung gem, and another impeccable part by our rufus.
looooove the ending. just superb.

[zenina]

Feb 16, 2011 11:48:29 GMT zenina said:

the tear

Just alone for seeing that single tear making its way slowly down Rufus' cheek it's worth to watch all over again

[ekaterina]

Feb 16, 2011 15:12:19 GMT zenina said:

Just alone for seeing that single tear making its way slowly down Rufus' cheek it's worth to watch all over again

i totally agree! i watched it last weekend and that scene is simply amazing! truly moving!
btw zenina, thanks so much for the beautiful captures! i especially love those with him in uniform and the ones from the last scene, of course

[stama]

, Zenina, thanks a lot! I love this film, the curls ;D, thanks you!!!

Ekaterina, your avatar, that´s one of my favorite images.