Richard Linklater was invited by the Center Pompidou to present in March Bernadette has disappeared, a 2019 film never released in France, in which Cate Blanchett plays the role of an architect whose creativity is running out. At the beginning of her career, deprived of a project into which she had put her soul, she hung up her gloves at a vrey young age, preferring to give up her vocation rather than face the incompressible part of frustration and compromise that this painful experience had brought her. .it made her understand to what extent she was consubstantial with him.
The American filmmaker insisted on the closeness he perceived between cinema and architecture. According to him, these two practices establish a similar relationship with time. They take place over a long, sometimes elastic period, they develop in successive, rigorously codified phases, and require, to find their definitive form, an alignment of the planets that is difficult to achieve. The fear of not seeing this alignment happen, or of having to wait too long for it to happen, pushes creators to give in to their desire. “The progress of the world is not based on your agenda. Don’t give up on the film you have in mind as the actor you wrote the role for is no longer available for your dates. you shouldn’t make cinema if you’re not patient… Obviously, making cinema also requires you to be impatient, that you work every day to make your film…”, he said in March at the Center Pompidou.
A textbook case on the subject, Megalopolis by Francis Ford Coppola, arrived at the Cannes Film Festival in May after a gestation period lasting around forty years. If the author ofApocalypse now (1979) has resisted the relentless assault of fate against his project all this time, perhaps because the story he had imagined around a demiurge architect struggling to impose his vision resonates with the struggle he has carried on throughout life for his artistic independence.
Fantastic portrayal
It is certainly not, in any case, out of a passion for architecture. It is enough to see the treatment he has given to the city in which the film is set to be convinced of the lack of interest he has in the discipline. Hybridization immersed in a digital background with golden reflections of the setting of a 1950s New york film studio and some vague idea that should evoke ancient Rome, the New Rome of Megalopolis it is indeed a city only as the spectator agrees to believe in it. as for the utopian project imagined by the protagonist, a green city in which none of the inhabitants will live more than a five-minute walk from a park, it seems to have come out of the prospectus of The Line, a futuristic urban project located in the heart of the desert promoted since 2016 by Saudi kingdom. If the film says something about the relationship between architecture and cinema, it is in this context that it operates with the real world, and in spite of itself.
– How does Cate Blanchett’s performance influence the audience’s perception of the film?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Film Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we’re diving into the world of cinema, and I’m thrilled to have with us Dr.michelle Thompson, a film historian and expert in contemporary cinema. Thank you for joining us, Dr.thompson.
Dr.Michelle Thompson: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the recent developments in the film industry, particularly Richard Linklater’s work.
Time.news Editor: Exactly! Linklater was recently invited by the Center Pompidou to present his film Bernadette Has Disappeared, which is significant since it never saw a release in France. What can you tell us about this film and its context?
Dr. Michelle Thompson: Bernadette Has disappeared is a engaging piece that centers around the character of Bernadette, portrayed by Cate Blanchett, who is an architect grappling with a creative crisis. It explores themes of artistic struggle and the complexities of personal identity, which are recurrent motifs in Linklater’s filmography.
Time.news Editor: It’s intriguing that this film has flown under the radar since 2019. Why do you think it has taken so long for it to get recognition,especially a showcase at such a prestigious venue like the Center Pompidou?
Dr. Michelle Thompson: There are a few factors at play here. First, the landscape of film distribution has changed significantly in the past few years, especially with the impact of the pandemic. Many films, even those by renowned directors like Linklater, faced delays or were overshadowed by more commercially successful releases. Additionally, the content itself—considering its introspective nature—might not have garnered instant mass appeal, which can often dictate a film’s visibility and success.
Time.news Editor: That’s a great point. Linklater is frequently enough known for his character-driven narratives. Do you think audiences are ready for a more subdued, contemplative film after years of blockbuster spectacles?
Dr.Michelle Thompson: Absolutely. There’s always a segment of the audience looking for depth and character exploration, especially after experiencing the highs and lows of living through a global pandemic. Films that reflect personal and societal struggles resonate with people, and I believe Bernadette Has Disappeared will find its audience, particularly in a reflective cultural moment.
Time.news Editor: Cate Blanchett is known for her amazing range as an actress.How does her performance as Bernadette enhance the film’s narrative?
Dr.Michelle Thompson: Blanchett brings an incredible depth to the character. Her ability to embody vulnerability while maintaining a strong presence allows viewers to truly connect with Bernadette’s struggles. This makes the themes of creativity and existential crisis palpable. Linklater has a talent for directing actors to pull authentic performances, and Blanchett’s role serves as a perfect vehicle for that.
time.news Editor: It’s fascinating how personal struggles can create relatable storytelling. With Linklater’s unique approach to time and character arcs,how do you see Bernadette Has Disappeared fitting into the broader context of his filmography?
Dr. Michelle Thompson: This film can be seen as an extension of his ongoing exploration of time, growth, and the complexities of human relationships. Just as in Before Sunrise and Boyhood, Linklater dives deep into character development and the passage of time, making the audience ponder not just the narrative but their own lives. I think it will resonate with those who have followed his evolution as a filmmaker.
Time.news Editor: Well, it sounds like this screening at the Center Pompidou could be a turning point for the film. What are your predictions for its reception?
Dr. michelle Thompson: I anticipate a positive reception, especially among cinema aficionados and those who follow Linklater’s work. Critics are likely to appreciate the film’s depth and artistic merit, which can lead to a reevaluation of its value as its initial release. It may even initiate conversations about the role of creativity in our lives, which is particularly resonant in today’s society.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for sharing your insights. We look forward to seeing how Bernadette Has Disappeared will be received in France and beyond.
Dr. Michelle Thompson: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure discussing this vital film with you.
Time.news Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in to this discussion about cinema and creativity. Stay tuned for more coverage on the evolving landscape of film!
