The Indomitable Spirit: Unraveling the Life of 'The Divine Sarah Bernhardt'
In this episode of *Movies First*, Chris takes listeners on an inspiring journey through the life of the legendary French actress, *The Divine Sarah Bernhardt*. This dramatized biographical film artfully intertwines historical events with creative storytelling, beginning with the dramatic amputation of Bernhardt's right leg at the age of 70, a consequence of a stage accident. Despite this setback, her resilient spirit shines bright as she continues to command her surroundings with humor and perfectionism.
The film paints a vivid portrait of Bernhardt, whose lavish lifestyle included a Paris residence that resembled a private zoo. Chris discusses how, despite her immense wealth from a successful career, her financial stability was often threatened by extravagant spending and her son Maurice's gambling addiction. The narrative bravely addresses darker themes, including Bernhardt's struggles with self-harm, while also exploring her passionate yet tumultuous relationship with fellow actor Lucien Guitry.
Listeners will hear about the dramatic climax of their affair as Guitry's desire for a younger actress creates a rift in his family, with Bernhardt surprisingly stepping in as a peacemaker. The film also highlights Bernhardt's political activism, particularly her support for Alfred Dreyfus, which adds complexity to her relationship with Maurice. Sandrine Kyberlin's powerful portrayal of Bernhardt captures her larger-than-life persona, while Laurent Laffitte and Laurent Stalker provide strong supporting performances that enrich the narrative.
Directed by Guillaume Nigel and written by Natalie Lothro, *The Divine Sarah Bernhardt* successfully celebrates its subject's excesses while maintaining historical authenticity. With a rating of 7 out of 10, this film offers a captivating glimpse into the life of a woman who defied conventions and embraced both the pleasures and controversies of her time. Join Chris as he unpacks this engaging portrait of one of theatre's most unforgettable figures.
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Chris: The remarkable story of Sarah Bernhard, the
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legendary French stage actress, unfolds
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in this dramatized biographical film that
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masterfully blends historical fact with
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creative storytelling. The narrative opens
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with a pivotal moment in Bernhardt's life,
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the amputation of her right leg at age 70, a ah,
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consequence of an earlier stage accident when a mattress
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wasn't properly positioned during a performance.
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Even in this challenging moment, Bernhardt's
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indomitable spirit shines through as she
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continues to direct those around her. With her
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characteristic mix of humor and demanding
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perfectionism, the film paints a vivid
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portrait of an extraordinarily complex woman whose
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life was marked by excess and adventure.
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Her Paris residence resembled a private zoo
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with wild animals freely roaming through luxurious
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rooms. Despite generating immense
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wealth through her successful career, Bernhardt's
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financial situation was often precarious due
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to her lavish spending habits and the constant
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drain of supporting her son Maurice's gambling
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addiction. The narrative doesn't shy away from
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darker elements, including Bernhardt's recurring
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episodes of self harm manifested through
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frequent wrist slashing incidents. At
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the heart of the story lies Bernhardt's passionate and
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turbulent relationship with fellow French actor Le
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Lucien Guitry. Their affair,
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characterized by mutual libertine lifestyles,
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reaches a dramatic climax when Guitry attempts to
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leave Bernhard for a younger actress. This
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same romantic entanglement creates a rift between
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Guitry and his son Sasha, leading to a
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family drama where Bernhardt, despite her own emotional
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involvement, surprisingly emerges as the
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peacemaker who helps reconcile father and son.
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The film delves into Bernhardt's political consciousness,
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particularly her outspoken support of Alfred
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Dreyfus, the French army officer at the center of a
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notorious political scandal. This stance
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creates significant tension with her son Maurice,
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adding another layer of complexity to their already
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strained relationship. Throughout the
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narrative, the story is enriched with references to
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contemporary luminaries from Victor Hugo
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to Oscar Wilde and Sigmund Freud,
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illustrating Bernhardt's extensive influence and
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connections in 19th century cultural
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circles. Sandrine Kyberlin delivers a
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powerful performance as Bernhardt, embodying the
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actress's larger than life personality and
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unshakable self centeredness with bold,
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brazen energy. Laurent Laffitte
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provides a measured counterpoint as Lucien Guitry,
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while Laurent Stalker brings nuance to the role of
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Pitou, Bernhardt's long suffering
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attendant who stoically endures her frequent
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outbursts while acknowledging both her cruelties
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and her genius. Director Guillaume
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Niclou and screenwriter Natalie Lothro have created
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a period drama that celebrates its subjects
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excesses while maintaining historical
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authenticity through meticulous attention to detail
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in sets and costumes. The film presents
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Bernhardt in all her complexity,
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demanding self centered and often
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cruel, yet undeniably magnetic
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and talented enough to become one of the first
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truly global celebrities of her era.
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The divine Sarah Bernhardt succeeds in portraying its
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subject as a woman who lived life on her own terms,
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embracing both pleasure and controversy with equal
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enthusiasm. While she could be dismissive and
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harsh with those around her, she also demonstrated an
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ability to bring people together, as shown in her reconciliation
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of the guitries. The film captures both the
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glittering success and personal struggles of a woman
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who refused to be constrained by the conventions of her
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time, creating an engaging portrait of one of
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theatre's most memorable figures. The
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narrative structure, unfolding through flashbacks,
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effectively weaves together the various threads of
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Bernhardt's life, from her professional triumphs
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to her personal tribulations, creating a rich
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tapestry that brings this historical figure vividly
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to life for modern audiences. We give it a 7
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out of 10 score.
