Movie of the Day: Niki (2024) by Céline Sallette
- dailyentertainment95
- Apr 10
- 5 min read
Link to watch: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0GRVENN4NEWK5KUTRON3S8LJTB/ref=dvm_src_ret_ca_xx_s (Canada)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt26656556/
Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/462717/
About movie: https://www.pulsarcontent.com/niki
Detailed Summary
"Niki" follows the life of Niki de Saint Phalle from 1952, when, as a young mother and aspiring model, she flees the McCarthyism in the United States and moves to France with her husband and daughter. Despite the change of scenery, Niki is haunted by disturbing memories of her childhood, specifically sexual abuse by her father, a trauma that profoundly impacts her life. The film traces her journey as she grapples with these memories and societal expectations, eventually finding solace and a powerful means of self-expression through her art. It portrays her transformation into an accomplished avant-garde artist and feminist icon, known for her vibrant and unconventional works, including the iconic "Nanas" and her "Tirs" (shooting paintings) series. The film highlights her rebellious spirit, her battles against patriarchal norms, and her personal struggles with mental health.
Plot Summary
The film portrays the early life of artist Niki de Saint Phalle, from her time as a young mother and model in the US to her move to France and her evolution into a groundbreaking artist who confronts her trauma through her work.
Director's Vision
Céline Sallette aimed to create a cinematic portrait of Niki de Saint Phalle, bookending her life between her early days as a young wife and mother in 1952 and her emergence as a self-possessed artist by 1961. Sallette's vision emphasizes Niki's psychological journey, showing how she mined her personal history, including a traumatic childhood, for artistic inspiration. The director sought to depict Niki as a free woman ahead of her time, full of contradictions, using art as a weapon to liberate herself from her past.
Themes
Art as Therapy and Liberation: Niki uses her art as a way to confront and process her traumatic experiences, finding freedom and a voice through her creative expression.
Female Empowerment and Defiance of Patriarchy: The film highlights Niki de Saint Phalle's rebellion against societal norms and patriarchal structures.
The Burden of Trauma: Niki is haunted by memories of sexual abuse, which significantly shapes her life and art.
The Evolution of an Artist: The film traces Niki's journey from aspiring model to a renowned avant-garde artist.
Mental Health: The narrative alludes to Niki's struggles with mental health, including stints in a mental facility.
Key Success Factors
Charlotte Le Bon's Performance: Le Bon's portrayal of Niki de Saint Phalle has been praised as a casting miracle, capturing the artist's vivaciousness and inner turmoil.
Vibrant Visual Style: The film utilizes bright colors and a saturated palette, reflecting the style of Niki de Saint Phalle's artwork.
Exploration of a Compelling Figure: Niki de Saint Phalle was a fascinating and iconoclastic artist whose life story is ripe for cinematic adaptation.
Summary Short
"Niki" is a biopic that chronicles the early life of French-American artist Niki de Saint Phalle, focusing on her escape from a stifling past and her transformation into a groundbreaking artist who used her work to confront trauma and challenge societal norms.
Awards and Nominations
"Niki" was nominated for the Golden Camera and the Un Certain Regard Award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
Critics Reception
Critics had mixed reactions to "Niki." While some praised Charlotte Le Bon's performance and the film's visual style, others found the narrative confusing and the character development lacking depth. Cineuropa noted confusing plot choices and bland characters, while the AWFJ review pointed out the lack of depiction of Niki's artwork.
Reviews
Screen Daily: Praised Charlotte Le Bon's raw and emotional performance and the film's revelation of art as a way to conquer trauma.
AWFJ: Highlighted Le Bon's excellent performance but noted the absence of Niki de Saint Phalle's artwork and a meandering structure.
Cineuropa: Criticized the confusing plot and bland characters but acknowledged the excellent cast and vibrant creative choices.
KinoCritics: Noted the film's inexplicable lack of focus on Niki's work, instead emphasizing her rebellious behavior and emotional challenges.
Box Office
"Niki" had an estimated budget of €3.74 million and grossed $569,209 in France, with a worldwide gross of $938,691.
Production
"Niki" is a French biographical film directed by Céline Sallette, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Samuel Doux, starring Charlotte Le Bon, and produced by Cinéfrance Studios and Wild Bunch Distribution, with a runtime of 98 minutes.
Production Companies
Cinéfrance Studios (France)
Wild Bunch Distribution (France)
Onzecinq (France - Co-production)
France 2 Cinéma (France - Co-production)
Panache Productions (Belgium - Co-production)
La Compagnie Cinématographique (France - Co-production)
Proximus / Proximus Media House PMH (Belgium - Co-production)
Be tv / VOO (Belgium - Co-production)
Sales Companies
Pulsar Content handled the international sales for "Niki."
Distribution Companies
Wild Bunch distributed the film in France. Paradiso Entertainment handled distribution in Belgium and the Netherlands. Must See Magic Film distributed in Russia. Movies Inspired distributed in Italy.
Theatrical Release
"Niki" premiered at the Cannes Film Festival on May 23, 2024. It was released theatrically in France on October 9, 2024.
Why to Recommend This Movie
Captivating Performance by Charlotte Le Bon: Her portrayal of Niki de Saint Phalle is a highlight.
Explores the Life of a Groundbreaking Artist: Offers insight into the personal journey of Niki de Saint Phalle.
Visually Vibrant: The film's aesthetic reflects the colorful nature of Niki's art.
Why to Watch Movie
To Learn About Niki de Saint Phalle: Provides an introduction to the artist's early life and struggles.
For Fans of Biopics About Artists: Offers a cinematic exploration of an influential figure.
To See a First Feature Film by Céline Sallette: Showcases the directorial debut of the acclaimed actress.
What Movie Trend Film is Following
Biopics of Artists: The film falls into the trend of biographical films that explore the lives and careers of notable artists.
Period Dramas: Set in the mid-20th century, the film evokes the atmosphere of the 1950s and 60s.
What Big Social Trend is Following
Recognition of Women Artists: The film contributes to the ongoing recognition and celebration of women's contributions to art history.
Challenging Patriarchal Norms: Niki de Saint Phalle's life and work challenged traditional societal expectations for women.
Final Verdict
"Niki" offers a glimpse into the formative years of the avant-garde artist Niki de Saint Phalle, anchored by a compelling performance from Charlotte Le Bon. While the film's narrative structure and lack of focus on the artwork itself may divide critics, it provides an opportunity to learn about a significant figure who defied conventions and used her art to confront personal trauma and societal norms.
Recommendations for Film Makers
Balance the Personal Life and Artistic Achievements in Biopics: Some critics noted the film's lack of focus on Niki's actual artwork.
Ensure a Clear and Engaging Narrative Structure: Time skips and plot choices should enhance, not confuse, the story.
Consider the Visual Representation of the Subject's Art: For biopics about artists, showcasing their work can be essential for audience understanding and appreciation.
Recommendations for Movie Industry
Continue to Support Biopics About Influential Women: Stories of female artists and trailblazers are valuable and have an audience.
Recognize the Interest in Arthouse Biopics: Films that explore the lives of artists can find success within the arthouse cinema scene.
Consider the International Market for European Biopics: Films like "Niki" can appeal to audiences interested in international cinema and the lives of prominent cultural figures.
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