Séraphine

Yolande Moreau was wonderful as Séraphine, a measured performance that, somehow, got us into the soul of Séraphine. This films raises other questions as well: sudden fame and wealth playing havoc in the lives of artists is not a contemporary phenomenon, and does not affect only to the young. Séraphine, who died in 1942 but had her 15 minutes of fame, and riches, in the 30s, fell for it, after a lifetime cleaning floors, etc. Yes, a bit of money after scratching your lifetime will make you giddy. The point I am making that age does not necessarily bring wisdom. As Carey Mulligan said, as Jenny in 'An Education': "I feel old, but not wise." Susan Boyle seems to be another case in these days of ours.

The other point is the artist as a "black box": we know what the outputs are, but we are not sure what the inputs are, and the processing that goes on within that box. 'Séraphine' does not clarify it. Perhaps we need a work of fiction rather than a biopic to she some light on it.