New Movies: La passion selon Béatrice (2024) by Fabrice du Welz: An Actress's Obsessive Homage to Pasolini
- dailyentertainment95
- Jul 12
- 14 min read
Core Summary: Béatrice Dalle's Pilgrimage to Her Idol
La passion selon Béatrice (2024) is a French/Belgian documentary-drama, directed by Fabrice du Welz (Calvaire, Adoration). The film follows legendary French actress Béatrice Dalle on a deeply personal and unconventional pilgrimage across Italy, tracing the footsteps of her lifelong idol, the controversial Italian filmmaker and poet Pier Paolo Pasolini. More than a traditional documentary, it's an intimate and poetic exploration of Dalle's profound, almost spiritual, connection to Pasolini's life, work, and rebellious spirit. Through emotional encounters, reflections on his films and philosophy, and visits to significant locations, Du Welz crafts a unique portrait of a muse obsessed, blurring the lines between cinematic homage, personal quest, and the raw essence of Dalle herself.
Summary Short: Fabrice du Welz's La passion selon Béatrice (2024) is a documentary-drama where actress Béatrice Dalle embarks on an emotional journey through Italy, exploring her lifelong obsession with filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini.
Fabrice du Welz's La passion selon Béatrice (2024) chronicles Béatrice Dalle's intense, almost spiritual, quest across Italy to trace the life and work of her artistic idol, Pier Paolo Pasolini, blending documentary with poetic drama.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt22175634/
Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/465518/
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/la-passion-selon-beatrice (France)
Detailed Summary: The Soulful Quest for an Artist's Spirit
La passion selon Béatrice is a highly personal and visually distinct film that delves into the nature of artistic obsession, legacy, and the bond between an artist and their inspiration.
The Protagonist and Her Obsession: The film centers on Béatrice Dalle (known for Betty Blue), a raw and iconic French actress, as she journeys to Italy in September 2022. Her singular purpose is to immerse herself in the world of Pier Paolo Pasolini, the Italian poet, filmmaker, and intellectual who, despite dying years before Dalle's career began, has been "the man of her life" and a profound influence.
A Pilgrimage Across Italy: Dalle's quest takes her "from east to west, from north to south" across Italy, traversing landscapes and locations significant to Pasolini's life and films. This cinematic road trip serves as the framework for her emotional and intellectual exploration. She visits places where he lived, worked, or was tragically murdered, seeking to connect with his spirit beyond the confines of time.
Blurring Documentar y and Drama: Du Welz's approach is far from a standard biographical documentary. The film blends traditional documentary elements (Dalle's real-time reactions, candid conversations, encounters with those who knew Pasolini like Dacia Maraini) with more stylized, almost fictionalized, sequences. Shot in black and white, it often mirrors the visual aesthetic of Pasolini's own films, creating an "oniric" (dreamlike) quality.
Pasolini's Enduring Legacy: Through Dalle's perspective, the film delves into various facets of Pasolini's work and philosophy: his controversial positions, his political views, his transgressive art (e.g., Salò, Mamma Roma), his poetic sensibilities, and his enduring aura. Dalle's profound emotional reactions, including being moved to tears while watching The Gospel According to St. Matthew, underscore the depth of her connection.
A Portrait of Béatrice Dalle: Beyond being an homage to Pasolini, the film also serves as an intimate and unfiltered portrait of Béatrice Dalle herself. Critics note her "vulnerable," "punk sublime," and "madonna extatic" presence. Her frankness, her passion, and her deeply personal engagement with Pasolini's legacy reveal much about her own artistic soul and uncompromising nature.
Encounter with Abel Ferrara: A notable segment of the film involves Dalle's meeting with controversial American filmmaker Abel Ferrara in Rome, a figure whose own transgressive style and biographical documentary works resonate with Pasolini's spirit and Dalle's own artistic persona.
Themes of Passion, Obsession, and Art's Immortality: The film explores the profound nature of artistic passion, the fine line between admiration and obsession, and the idea that an artist's spirit and work can transcend death, continuing to inspire across generations. The soundtrack, incorporating Pasolini's own work and classical pieces (like Mozart and Bach), further enhances this spiritual and artistic journey.
La passion selon Béatrice is a unique cinematic experience: a visceral, poetic, and intimate double portrait of an iconic actress's enduring passion for her artistic hero, and a powerful reflection on the timeless impact of art.
Director's Vision: Fabrice du Welz's Poetic and Immersive Homage
Fabrice du Welz, known for his dark, visceral, and often disturbing thrillers (Calvaire, Vinyan, Message from the King), takes a surprising, yet deeply personal, turn with La passion selon Béatrice. His vision emphasizes:
Atypical Documentary Form: Du Welz deliberately avoids a conventional biographical documentary structure. Instead, he aims for a more "atypical," "almost experimental," and "dreamlike" form. He sought to create a "formal block" that feels both "passionate and moving."
The Subjective Gaze: The film is less about a factual recounting of Pasolini's life and more about the experience of Béatrice Dalle's passion for him. Du Welz positions himself as an observer of this intense, almost religious, devotion.
Visual and Sensory Immersion: Shot in striking black and white by Marco Graziaplena, Du Welz aimed to visually evoke Pasolini's own cinematic world while also intensely focusing on Dalle's expressive face and body. The soundtrack, featuring Pasolini's music and carefully selected classical pieces, is integral to creating a "sensory ecstasy."
Authenticity and Vulnerability: Du Welz intended to capture the raw and authentic essence of Béatrice Dalle, allowing her to be vulnerable and unvarnished in her expression of passion for Pasolini. He sees her as a "creature of the past" (without cosmetic surgery, showing her true self), whose extraordinary soul he wanted to "bring to light."
Exploration of Paradoxes: Du Welz notes his attraction to "the man and his paradoxes," referring to both Pasolini and Dalle. He is drawn to the "nuance" and complexity of individuals, especially in a world that often demands people be "one single thing."
A Shared Artistic Resonance: The film stems from a shared love between Du Welz and Dalle for Pasolini's work, making it a highly personal project for the director, rather than a mere commission.
Themes: Artistic Obsession, Legacy & Influence, Life & Death in Art, Rebellion & Transgression, The Nature of Passion, Female Gaze on a Male Idol, Cinematic Homage
Artistic Obsession and Adoration: The central theme is Béatrice Dalle's profound, lifelong devotion to Pier Paolo Pasolini, exploring the depth of artistic inspiration and idolization.
Legacy and Influence: How an artist's work and spirit can transcend time and continue to shape subsequent generations of creators and thinkers.
Life and Death in Art: The film intertwines Pasolini's life and tragic death with the enduring vitality of his art, suggesting art's ability to defy mortality.
Rebellion and Transgression: Both Pasolini and Dalle are figures known for their uncompromising, rebellious spirits, and the film explores this shared ethos against societal norms.
The Nature of Passion: A deep dive into passion itself—not just romantic or sexual, but intellectual, spiritual, and artistic passion.
Female Gaze on a Male Idol: The film offers a unique perspective as a woman (Dalle) intimately explores the life and work of a male artist.
Cinematic Homage and Dialogue: It functions as a meta-cinematic piece, a film about filmmaking and the dialogue between artists across different eras.
Key Success Factors: Iconic Lead, Unique Format, and Director's Vision
Béatrice Dalle's Charisma: Her raw authenticity and cult status make her a compelling and unpredictable subject.
Unique Blend of Genres: The film's experimental fusion of documentary and dramatic elements offers a fresh approach to the biographical film.
Fabrice du Welz's Distinctive Style: The director's intense, atmospheric, and visually striking aesthetic elevates the material.
Intriguing Subject Matter (Pasolini): Pasolini remains a fascinating and controversial figure, drawing interest from cinephiles and cultural enthusiasts.
Festival Recognition: Premieres at major festivals like Locarno and L'Étrange Festival provide critical validation and visibility.
Strong Visuals (Black & White): The aesthetic choice enhances the film's artistic and timeless quality.
Summary Short: A Concise Takeaway
Fabrice du Welz's La passion selon Béatrice (2024) is a unique, black-and-white documentary-drama starring Béatrice Dalle on an intimate pilgrimage across Italy, exploring her profound, almost spiritual, obsession with Pier Paolo Pasolini, earning praise for its raw emotion and artistic vision.
Box Office: Limited Art-House Release
As an experimental documentary-drama with an art-house focus, La passion selon Béatrice is not designed for wide commercial success. Its box office performance will be characteristic of a niche, critically acclaimed film.
French Theatrical Release: The film was released theatrically in France on November 20, 2024.
Limited/Art-House Distribution: Its release strategy suggests a focus on art-house cinemas and specialized venues. Detailed box office figures might be limited as it's not a mainstream commercial release.
Overall Summary of Box Office: La passion selon Béatrice is an art-house film that has had a limited theatrical release primarily in France, starting in November 2024. Its commercial success will be measured by its impact within the specialized cinema market rather than large-scale box office numbers.
Awards & Nominations: A Prestigious Festival Presence
La passion selon Béatrice has quickly established itself as a significant entry in the documentary and art-house circuit, securing prestigious festival selections.
Locarno Film Festival (2024): The film had its world premiere Out of Competition at the esteemed Locarno Film Festival, indicating its high artistic merit and the festival's recognition of Du Welz and Dalle's collaboration.
Film Fest Ghent (2024): Selected for the "Artists on Film" section, which highlights films about or featuring prominent artists.
Sitges - Catalonian International Film Festival (2024): Featured in the "Seven Chances" section, recognizing its unique approach.
Angoulême Francophone Film Festival (2024): Official Selection, further cementing its importance within French-language cinema.
Cinemania (Canada, 2024): Featured in the documentary section.
These selections underline the film's appeal to festivals looking for compelling artistic portraits and unique takes on biographical narratives, particularly given the cult status of both Béatrice Dalle and Pier Paolo Pasolini.
Critics' Reception: A Poetic, Unconventional, and Sometimes Uneven Homage
Critics have largely found La passion selon Béatrice to be a fascinating and visually striking film, though some noted that its unconventional structure might not resonate with all viewers. The film's primary strength is often seen in its central figure, Béatrice Dalle, and its evocative visual style.
Cineuropa (Muriel Del Don): Praises the film as a "heartbreaking and poetic feature" that presents a "vulnerable Béatrice Dalle" on the traces of Pasolini. The review highlights the film's ability to blend Dalle's "raw, unvarnished personality" with a meditative journey, finding it an emotionally rich experience.
https://www.google.com/search?q=Avoir-a-Lire.com (Gérard Crespo): Describes it as an "unusual and captivating documentary" about two artists (Dalle and Pasolini) who seem to be at opposite poles. Crespo suggests that fans of either artist will find something to appreciate. While acknowledging it as a "documentary, drama, road movie, black and white" film, the review notes its artistic qualities and its potential to introduce viewers to Pasolini's cinematic works.
Regard Critique: Commends the film's visual aesthetics, describing the blend of "DV camera and film formats, all brushed in ultra-contrasted and chiseled black and white," as "superb." The review notes the "elegance and strength of the contrasts" and the excellent sound design that captures natural ambiances and more mystical moments. It also points out that Du Welz is equally interested in Dalle's subject and her confrontational journey with Pasolini's "ambiguous aspects."
Kino Wombat (Quentin Tarantino - not the director, a reviewer): Found the project "as promising as it was pompous" on paper. While praising the shared passion for Pasolini between Du Welz and Dalle, the review suggests that the film "does not always live up to the promise" of its initial concept. However, it still highlights "truly great moments of cinema, strong and authentic."
Culturellement Vôtre (Cécile Desbrun): Gives the film a 6/10, acknowledging Du Welz's "first foray into documentary." The review praises the film for being a "poetic and mystical" portrait that "reveals an unexpected Béatrice Dalle, gifted with a often devastating humor as much as she is on edge." It highlights Dalle's portrayal as a "wounded child and a hilarious ogress, a destroy icon and an uncompromising poetess."
Abus de Ciné (Guillaume Gas): Expresses that while there are "truly great moments of cinema, strong and authentic," these are "unfortunately the only ones with which one leaves the projection." This suggests an uneven experience, where powerful moments don't always sustain the entire film.
Overall, critics see La passion selon Béatrice as a visually stunning and deeply personal homage to Pasolini, primarily carried by Béatrice Dalle's captivating and often raw presence. While the film's experimental, contemplative, and sometimes fragmented nature might not satisfy all, its artistic ambition and the magnetic power of its subject are widely acknowledged.
Reviews: Audiences Immersed in Dalle's Passion and Pasolini's Legacy
Audience reactions to La passion selon Béatrice are likely to be strong and varied, appealing particularly to cinephiles, fans of Béatrice Dalle, and those interested in Pier Paolo Pasolini's work.
Béatrice Dalle's Magnetic Presence: Audiences are drawn to Dalle's unique and unfiltered personality. Her raw honesty, vulnerability, humor, and profound passion for Pasolini are key elements that resonate deeply with viewers. Her portrayal as both a "wounded child and a hilarious ogress" makes her a compelling figure to follow.
Artistic and Poetic Style: Viewers who appreciate art-house cinema, especially films shot in striking black and white, will be drawn to the film's aesthetic. The blend of documentary and poetic imagery, along with the rich soundtrack featuring classical music (Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart) and artists like David Bowie, contributes to an immersive experience.
Insight into Pasolini: For those interested in Pier Paolo Pasolini, the film offers a unique perspective on his legacy through the eyes of a devoted artist. The journey to his filming locations and discussions about his work will be particularly engaging for this segment of the audience.
Unconventional Narrative: Audiences comfortable with non-linear or contemplative narratives will be more likely to appreciate the film's structure. Those expecting a traditional biographical documentary might find it challenging, as it prioritizes emotional and artistic resonance over chronological storytelling.
Emotional Depth: Despite its intellectual undertones, the film's exploration of passion, obsession, and the search for artistic connection is expected to evoke strong emotional responses from viewers who connect with these themes.
Overall, La passion selon Béatrice is a film that demands engagement but rewards patient viewers with a unique, intimate, and visually rich exploration of artistic devotion. It is likely to become a significant film for fans of both Fabrice du Welz's unconventional style and the compelling persona of Béatrice Dalle.
Production Summary: A French-Belgian Collaborative Effort
La passion selon Béatrice (2024) is a French and Belgian documentary-drama with a runtime of 1 hour 20 minutes (80 minutes) or 1 hour 23 minutes (83 minutes) depending on the cut. It is directed by Fabrice du Welz and co-written by Fabrice du Welz and Clément Roussier. The film stars Béatrice Dalle as herself, with appearances by Abel Ferrara and Clément Roussier. Key crew include Marco Graziaplena (Director of Photography) and Géraud Vandendriessche (Editor). The film was shot in black and white.
Production Companies: Fashion House Backing & Independent Producers
La passion selon Béatrice is backed by a mix of independent film production companies and a notable fashion house:
Saint Laurent (Anthony Vaccarello): The creative director of Saint Laurent, Anthony Vaccarello, is credited as a producer, indicating significant backing from the fashion brand, which is increasingly involved in cinematic projects.
Vixens (Gary Farkas, Clément Lepoutre, Olivier Muller): A French production company.
Frakas Productions (Jean-Yves Roubin, Cassandre Warnauts): A Belgian co-production company, a frequent collaborator with Fabrice du Welz.
Distribution Companies: Carlotta Films (France) & Arcadès (France)
Carlotta Films (France): Initially announced as the distributor.
Arcadès (France): Also listed as a distributor for its home video release.
Release Date on Streaming: May 6, 2025 (France - Home Video)
The film's home video release in France (Blu-ray/DVD) is scheduled for May 6, 2025. Specific streaming availability outside of France would depend on individual territory acquisition deals. MUBI might be a potential platform given its distribution of similar art-house films and its listing on MUBI's database for the film, though specific streaming release dates are not confirmed for all regions.
Theatrical Release: November 20, 2024 (France)
World Premiere: Locarno International Film Festival (August 2024).
French Theatrical Release: November 20, 2024.
Why to Recommend this Movie: For a Raw, Poetic Homage to Artistic Obsession
Fans of Béatrice Dalle: A must-see for anyone captivated by the iconic French actress and her raw, authentic presence.
Art-House and Experimental Cinema Enthusiasts: Ideal for viewers who appreciate non-linear narratives, poetic imagery, and films that push the boundaries of documentary form.
Cinephiles and Pasolini Scholars: For those with a deep interest in Pier Paolo Pasolini's life and work, offering a unique and emotional perspective on his legacy.
Fabrice du Welz's Fans: For those curious to see the director expand his stylistic range into a more reflective and personal territory.
Why to Watch Movie: To Witness a Unique Fusion of Passion, Art, and Personality
Experience a Raw Portrait: Watch to see Béatrice Dalle at her most vulnerable and authentic, revealing her soul through her adoration for Pasolini.
Immerse in Visual Poetry: Be captivated by the stunning black-and-white cinematography and the evocative atmosphere of Italy.
Explore Artistic Obsession: Delve into the profound and often consuming nature of artistic passion and its ability to connect individuals across time.
Engage with a Unique Vision: If you're open to a film that defies easy categorization and offers a truly original cinematic experience, combining documentary, drama, and personal essay.
Movie Trend: Biopics/Homages with Unconventional Form and Fashion House Funding
La passion selon Béatrice aligns with the trend of unconventional biographical films and artistic homages that break from traditional linear narratives, often incorporating more experimental or poetic structures. It also reflects the increasing trend of fashion houses (like Saint Laurent) directly investing in and producing critically acclaimed films, blurring the lines between fashion, art, and cinema.
Big Social Trend: The Cult of Personality and Enduring Cultural Influence
The film taps into the enduring social trend of the cult of personality surrounding iconic figures like Béatrice Dalle and Pier Paolo Pasolini. It also reflects a broader fascination with how cultural and artistic figures continue to exert profound influence long after their lifetimes, shaping subsequent generations' perspectives on art, politics, and rebellion. The film speaks to the human need for idols and the transformative power of deep, albeit indirect, personal connection to an artist's work.
Final Conclusions: Beyond the Screen, A Lasting Impact: Overall Impression and Impact: A Potent, Unflinching Act of Cinematic Devotion
La passion selon Béatrice is a potent, unflinching, and deeply personal act of cinematic devotion by Fabrice du Welz to Béatrice Dalle's enduring obsession with Pier Paolo Pasolini. It's a film that defies easy categorization, offering a raw and poetic exploration of artistic passion, legacy, and the complex inner world of its captivating subject. Its bold visual style and emotional intensity leave a lasting impact, cementing its place as a unique and compelling work in contemporary art-house cinema.
Recommendations for Film Makers: Crafting Visionary Homages
Embrace Form Over Formula: Filmmakers should recognize the power of breaking from conventional documentary or biopic structures. La passion selon Béatrice demonstrates that an unconventional, poetic, and immersive form can amplify the emotional and intellectual depth of an artistic homage, allowing for a more subjective and resonant exploration of a subject.
Harness Authentic Personalities: The film thrives on Béatrice Dalle's raw, unfiltered authenticity. Filmmakers should seek out and empower subjects who can bring such genuine, unvarnished emotion and charisma to the screen. Allowing a compelling personality to drive the narrative, even in a non-traditional way, can create a magnetic cinematic experience.
Utilize Aesthetic Choices for Thematic Depth: Fabrice du Welz's decision to shoot in black and white, and his meticulous sound design, are not merely stylistic; they're integral to the film's themes and mood. Filmmakers should consider how every aesthetic choice—from cinematography to sound—can profoundly contribute to the emotional and intellectual core of their story.
Explore Artistic Obsession as a Narrative: The film proves that artistic obsession itself can be a compelling narrative. Rather than just recounting facts, filmmakers can delve into the why and how of an artist's profound influence on another, treating that connection as a journey of discovery and passion.
Recommendations for Movie Industry: Supporting Bold Artistic Visions
Invest in Hybrid and Experimental Forms: The success and critical acclaim of La passion selon Béatrice illustrate the artistic and cultural value of films that defy easy genre categorization. The industry should actively seek out and fund projects that are willing to experiment with form, blending documentary, drama, and personal essay to create unique cinematic experiences.
Recognize the Power of Auteur-Personality Collaborations: The film highlights the potent synergy that can arise when a distinct directorial voice collaborates with a powerful, iconic personality. The industry should foster such collaborations, understanding that the intersection of strong artistic visions can yield profoundly original and impactful cinema.
Support Niche but High-Quality Content: While not a mainstream blockbuster, films like La passion selon Béatrice garner significant critical attention and serve a vital art-house audience. The industry should continue to support high-quality, niche content that enriches the cinematic landscape and caters to discerning viewers, often through festival circuits and specialized distributors.
Explore Unconventional Funding Models: The involvement of Saint Laurent (a fashion house) in the film's production points to a growing trend of non-traditional funding sources for artistic projects. The movie industry should be open to and actively explore diverse funding models and partnerships that allow for creative freedom and the realization of unique visions.
Final Conclusions: An Unflinching Ode to Unbridled Passion
La passion selon Béatrice is a truly singular work: a raw, poetic, and unflinching act of cinematic devotion. Fabrice du Welz's bold decision to cast the iconic Béatrice Dalle in a deeply personal pilgrimage to her idol, Pier Paolo Pasolini, transcends conventional documentary. It becomes a visceral experience, steeped in black-and-white visual poetry and intense emotional authenticity. While it may not appeal to those seeking a straightforward narrative or a traditional biography, for audiences willing to immerse themselves in its unique rhythms, it offers a profound meditation on artistic obsession, legacy, and the enduring power of untamed passion. It's a film that challenges, fascinates, and ultimately resonates as a testament to the transformative force of art and the compelling spirit of its extraordinary subject.
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