Film Review: The Artist and The Model (12A) (Spain/France 2012) (Director: Fernando Trueba) (French, Catalan & Spanish with English Subtitles) Saturday 21.09.2013 20:45 The Filmhouse Cinema Screen One, Edinburgh 

I was interested in seeing this for two reasons. The first was that I saw this directors previous film, 'Chico & Rita' (2010) at the cinema and greatly enjoyed it. Secondly the central relationship of this film, focusing upon an older artist and a young and naive model, reminded me of one of my favorite films, 'La Belle Noiseuse' (1991) by Jacques Rivette. 

The film is set towards the end of the second world war, the model having escaped from Spain is hidden by the artist and his wife just over the French border, yet the setting allows all parties a good deal of respite from the troubles. Despite the context always being present, it never sits heavy on precedings. There are humorous moments and a general lightness of touch which does not feel to belittle the times, though to me reinforces the fact that people will always make efforts to have their lives and activities continue as normal whenever possible.     

The film has a languid pace that suits its ruminations on simple yet important elements of life. It is beautifully shot in high contrast black and white. There are shots which achieve a visually intriguing and entirely apt effect of being both crisp and slightly blurry at the same time. 

The central relationship between artist and model is well portrayed with both parties gently easing to and trusting the ways of the other; the model enabling the artist to complete one last piece and the artist assisting the model to find a way of making her way in the world. Each becomes able to be vulnerable and frivolous in the presence of the other. I also appreciate that there is no attempt to play to modern 'shiny' sensibilities in how the model is portrayed in natural unaffected beauty.  

The film felt to be a very gentle yet satisfying watch. Although it did not have the epicness of 'La Belle Noiseuse', it still has a depth and easily stays with me for the two days between watching and writing this. 

I have swithered over the rating and the rating reflects that I suspect that this film will be a bit of a grower and likely to offer greater rewards upon repeat viewing. 

Rating: 10/10.