Camille Claudel (1988)

100% of critics liked it
(10 reviews)
84% of users liked it
(4,838 ratings)

The troubled life of French sculptor Camille Claudel and her long relationship with legendary sculptor Auguste Rodin are portrayed in this passionate biographical drama, featuring an acclaimed performance by Isabelle Adjani. Beginning in the 1880s with a young Claudel's first meeting with Rodin, the… More The troubled life of French sculptor Camille Claudel and her long relationship with legendary sculptor Auguste Rodin are portrayed in this passionate biographical drama, featuring an acclaimed performance by Isabelle Adjani. Beginning in the 1880s with a young Claudel's first meeting with Rodin, the film traces the development of their intense romantic bond. The growth of this relationship coincides with the rise of Claudel's career, helping her overcome prejudices against female artists. However, their romance soon sours, due to the increasing pressures of Rodin's fame and his love for another woman. These difficulties combine with her increasing doubts about the value of her work to drive Claudel into an emotional tumult that threatens to become insanity. First-time director Bruno Nuytten had previously served as a cinematographer, and he brings this experience to bear in his loving presentation of Claudel's sculpture and the lavish period setting. The dramatic approach is in tune with the impressive visuals, which present Claudel's life as a grandiose melodrama, a transformation that irritated some critics. However, few questioned the film's value as a dramatic showcase for Adjani, whose fervent portrayal was rewarded with an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The American release version was cut to 159 minutes. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr. 53 min.
Directed By: Bruno Nuytten
Written By: Bruno Nuytten, Marilyn Goldin
Genres: Art House & International, Drama

In Theaters: Dec 7, 1988 Wide
On DVD: Jan 23, 2001
Studio: Orion Home Video

Critic Reviews

Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
[VIDEO] To comprehend the impact of Camille Claudel's artistic achievements is to share in a spiraling struggle with insanity that consumes her before our eyes
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
Isabelle Adjani received a Best Actress Oscar for playing the "mad" French sculptress in this overblown biopic
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
An ambitious film about an overlooked artist and a self-reliant woman whose story is worth pondering.
Luanne Brown, Chico Enterprise-Record
Compelling and heartbreaking.

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Featured Audience Ratings

Bruce B

This movie shows us once again that anyone can have a screwed up loving relationship. And for all the single girls out there who thing the man they are having an affair with are every going to leave there wife's, let's just say your chances of winning the lottery are better.… More
This movie shows us once again that anyone can have a screwed up loving relationship. And for all the single girls out there who thing the man they are having an affair with are every going to leave there wife's, let's just say your chances of winning the lottery are better. In this movie we see French sculptor Camille Claudel develops her talent and ambition. In the process she catches the attention of legendary sculptor Auguste Rodin. Who she falls madly in love with and his passion for her is undeniable. But after Rodin turns her away and favor's his wife, her passion turns into rage, and her work once at its height in France tumbles, and she is committed for years in a mental institution. More or less the life and times of Camille Claudel . Get a large bag of Pop Corn, 2 Pizza's and a quart of ice cream as this is a long one in French with English Subtitles. Did you expect different I doubt that 1 out 500 Americans even know who Camille Claudel was. 3 1/2 stars.
Dimitris S

Accurate portrait,honest biopic,a legend on-screen.Claudel the artist by the chameleon Adjani.

Cast

            Isabelle Adjani as Camille Claudel

            Gérard Depardieu as Auguste Rodin

            Laurent Grevill as Paul Claudel

            Alain Cuny as Louis-Prosper Claudel

            Madeleine Robinson as Mme. Louise-Athanaise Claudel

            Katrine Boorman as Jessie Lipscomb

            Danièle Lebrun as Rose Beuret

            Aurelle Doazan as Louise Claudel

            Madeleine Marie as Victoire

            Maxime Leroux as Claude Debussy

            Philippe Clevenot (II) as Eugene Blot

            Roger Planchon as Morhardt

            François Berléand as Dr. Michaux

            Denise Chalem
            
            Flaminio Corcos as Schwob

            Gerard Darier as Marcel

            Roch Leibovici as Louis

            Anne Marie Pisani as Opera Singer

            Benoit Vergne as Auguste Beuret

            Martin Berleand as Robert

            Michel Beroff as Orchestra Conductor

            Lison Bonfils as Hostel Manager

            Claudine Delvaux as Concierge

            Ariane Kah as Model

            Eric Lorvoire as Ferdinand de Massary

            Philippe Paimblanc as Giganti

            Patrick Palmero as Photographer

            Francois Revillard as Bailiff

            Jean-Pierre Sentier as Limet

            Dany Simon as Mme. Morhardt

            Hester Wilcox as Adele
See full cast