The Artist and the Model 2012

     Lea and her housekeeper Maria meet Merce in town.  She is a Spanish political refugee, she is traveling and doesn’t have a job or a place to live.  The period is 1943 in occupied France during World War II.  Lea invites Merce to her home, Lea is married to Marc Cros, he is an elderly sculptor.  Lea believes Merce could pose for Marc and add a new spark to his work.   This job will give Merce a place to stay and wages from her work.

     This film is shot in black in white but it’s a statement about art and nature.  Can’t art and nature be more fully portrayed in color?  This choice says a lot about the film, it moves quietly along with only a few bursts of inspiration.  3* (This movie is OK)  

105 min, Drama directed by Fernando Trueba with Jean Rochefort, Aida Folch, 

Claudia Cardinale, Chus Lampreave, Gotz Otto, Christian Sinniger.

Note:  Imdb 6.5 out of 10, 68% critic 50% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, Roger Ebert 3*.

Special Note:  This film reminded me of Renoir 2012.  Renoir was more impressive because of the tones of color and the shades of light on the landscape.