Movie Review: Corsage

 

Michael's Movie Grade: A+

An incredibly beautiful and emotionally powerful film from Austria. 

Though this film is based off the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, very little of this movie is historically accurate. However, this is of little importance as this movie does not concern itself with facts as much as it does emotions. In fact Corsage is often so emotionally overwhelming that at many times it can become hard to watch. Though at first this film can seem emotionally cold and distant as the film goes on it you can see that this is just what makes it so emotionally powerful. There are many scenes where you can see the main character reach out for love to only be met with coldness. She is her own woman and yet because of her position everyone expects her to behave a certain way. Whenever she shows the person she really is, it becomes obvious that those around her love her for what she stands for rather than who she is. This is especially evident in the scenes with her very young daughter, who quite frankly tells her mother it is embarrassing to be around her, and a scene with her son who spends more time lecturing her than the other way around. Adding to this is a "sex" scene with her husband that is anything but sexy. Even though none of us have been in her situation, the idea of reaching out for love and being met with cold indifference is a terrifying thought and something that can easily haunt our minds. This makes it incredibly easy for us to relate to and deeply care about her as well as put ourselves in her shoes. Yet at the same time, this film does not make her in any way faultless. As this film takes place after her turning 40 years old and the vanity and unacceptance of this is often kept at the forefront. There are also plenty of times when the character's actions can come off as rude or immature. This just helps the film feel more real and honest, as well as causing us to do some introspection of ourselves. As emotionally devastating as much of this film can be, there are lighter moments in this movie, including some moments that are quite funny. Director and writer, Marie Kreutzer knows just when to place these lighter moments so that they will enhance the story rather than distract from its sadder aspects. These scenes actually add more dimensions to the main character, which is something that is incredibly important for a character study like this film. These scenes are also more joyous because it is so comforting to see this character have some joy in her life. Yet everything in this film is held together by a wonderful performance by Vicky Krieps. Anyone who has seen Paul Thomas Anderson's Phantom Thread (2018), knows that she is capable of a truly incredible performance, yet Corsage may be her best performance yet. The sheer emotion you can see in her performance, even during the scenes where not much is happening, is simply amazing and is present in every scene she is on the screen. Yet there is no showing off in this performance but instead it is very subtle and natural.  

This is simply a must-see movie, just keep in mind that you are probably going to cry watching it.