Paris, 1827. Alexandre Dumas is 25 years old and walks proudly on the grands Boulevards. When mocked for the color of his skin, the young author immediately retorts: “My father was a mulatto, my grandfather was a negro, and my great-grandfather was a monkey.My family begins where yours ends,sir. »
Tasty, the anecdote is like this animated series that revives half a century of artistic revolution, that of the Romantics. A veritable army, according to its director, Amélie Harrault, and her co-screenwriters, Céline Ronté and Valérie Loiseleux, all three inspired by Victor Hugo: “We crush the lyres in our hands, unluckily unoccupied, in the absence of swords! Let’s sing, as if we were fighting! “, he wrote some time before making Notre-Dame de Paris a monument of poetry.
fiery voiceover by Cécile de France
In four 52-minute episodesthe authors summarize Hernani’s battles and the political struggles that shaped this movement. In tune with their era, crossed by countless insurrectional uprisings (1830, 1848 and 1871), the Romantics wanted to break down the walls of classicism. Carried by Cécile de France’s fiery voice-over,the text brings out all the intimate and artistic impulses of Balzac and Delacroix,Sand and Musset.
Provide intelligent script transitions, The army of romantics uses the recipe developed for The adventurers of modern artseries also produced in 2015 by Amélie Harrault. An animated feat that mixes scenes of everyday life, distorted paintings and illustrations brought to life, this documentary sometimes suffers from a slightly repetitive form, fortunately overshadowed by the brilliance of the visual discoveries. Amélie Harrault, winner of the 2014 César for her short film on Kiki de Montparnasse, then rediscovers her verve to translate into images The fantastic symphonythrough which Berlioz reveals his soul.
How does Cécile de France’s narration enhance the storytelling in *The Army of Romantics*?
Interview with Amélie Harrault: Reviving the Spirit of the Romantics
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Amélie. Your latest animated series, The Army of Romantics, captures a engaging period in history. Can you share your inspiration behind this project?
Amélie Harrault: Thank you for having me! The inspiration came from the revolutionary spirit of the Romantic era—its passion for freedom and artistic expression. Alexandre Dumas’ fierce retort to prejudice illustrates the kind of boldness that permeated the lives of Romantic artists. I wanted to bring this vibrant energy to life in our series.
Editor: Speaking of that energy, the project is narrated by the talented Cécile de France. How does her voice contribute to the overall impact of the series?
Amélie Harrault: Cécile brings an astounding fire to her voiceover work. Her dynamic delivery accentuates the intensity of the political and artistic struggles faced by the Romantics like Balzac and Delacroix. It makes the historical context more relatable,allowing viewers to feel the urgency of their battles for artistic freedom.
Editor: In the animated series, you delve into the political battles that shaped Romanticism. how crucial is this historical context in understanding the art of the period?
Amélie Harrault: it’s crucial! The Romantics emerged during a time of political upheaval—revolutions in 1830, 1848, and 1871 influenced their work substantially.By illustrating these events, we provide viewers with a lens through which to understand not just the art, but the very human emotions behind it. It highlights how art and politics are entwined.
Editor: The series draws from your previous work on The adventurers of Modern Art. How does The Army of Romantics build upon that foundation?
Amélie Harrault: similar to The Adventurers of Modern Art,this series employs a mix of everyday life,distorted paintings,and lively illustrations. However, with The Army of Romantics, we focused more on storytelling, revealing intimate narratives of these artists’ lives. While the animation style is similar, this series dives deeper into the emotional fabric of the Romantic movement.
Editor: Some viewers have noted a slight repetition in the documentary’s form. How do you address this in your storytelling?
Amélie Harrault: That feedback is valid.We aim for a balance between visual aesthetics and storytelling depth. Our goal was to keep the audience engaged with visual discoveries that both complement and enhance the narrative. Despite any repetitive elements,we believe the emotional resonance trumps structural monotony.
Editor: Your work has won numerous accolades, including the César Award for your short film on Kiki de Montparnasse.What advice would you give to aspiring animators looking to tell historical stories?
Amélie Harrault: Focus on the emotional core of your story. History is rich with passionate tales; find the human experiences within them. Engage with the historical context but prioritize making it relatable. animation is a powerful medium that can breathe life into the past—never shy away from blending artistry with storytelling.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights, Amélie. The Army of Romantics promises to be an enlightening journey into a transformative era of art. We look forward to its release!
Amélie Harrault: Thank you! I hope it inspires viewers to explore the rich tapestry of Romanticism further.