Surviving Picasso

Françoise Gilot, a young artist, meets the famous painter Pablo Picasso at Le Petit Benoit, a quaint bistro in Nazi-occupied Paris. This encounter marks the beginning of a significant relationship that alters the course of her life and career.

After their initial meeting, Picasso invites Françoise and her friend to his home and studio located at 7 Rue des Grands-Augustins. This invitation opens the door for deeper interaction between them.

Despite her father's disapproval, Françoise decides to pursue a career as a painter encouraged by Picasso. This decision showcases her determination to follow her passion over familial expectations.

When Françoise informs her father of her decision to become a painter, he reacts violently, beating her for her choice. This physical abuse signifies the oppressive environment she faces from her family.

Picasso continues to encourage Françoise to explore her talents and paint. His support is instrumental in her artistic journey, as it gives her the confidence to create despite external challenges.

As Françoise becomes more involved in her art, a romantic relationship develops between her and Picasso. This affair is characterized by both passion and turbulence, reflecting Picasso's complex personality.

Françoise eventually moves in with Picasso, fully immersing herself in the tumultuous world of the artist. Living together brings both joy and challenges, as Picasso's character traits begin to reveal themselves.

Throughout their relationship, Picasso often exhibits selfish behavior, such as firing his long-serving driver without regard for others. These actions highlight his self-centered nature and impact the dynamics of their relationship.

Despite the turmoil, Françoise and Picasso have two children together, creating a family unit in the South of France near Cannes. This period represents both happiness and ongoing struggles within their relationship.

The film also touches on the lives of other significant women in Picasso’s life, including Olga Khokhlova, Dora Maar, and Marie-Thérèse Walter. These portrayals enrich the narrative and contextualize Françoise’s experience with Picasso.

As time goes on, tensions continue to grow between Françoise and Picasso due to his increasingly neglectful behavior and womanizing ways. This mounting pressure strains their relationship further.

Ultimately, Françoise decides to leave Picasso, concluding that his emotional coldness is unbearable. This decision signifies her reclaiming of independence and prioritizing her own well-being.

After Françoise's departure, Jacqueline Roque moves in with Picasso, effectively replacing her in his life. This transition underscores the cyclical nature of Picasso's relationships and the impact on his former partners.

Françoise's time with Picasso not only shapes her as an artist but also influences her life decisions in the years that follow. The relationship ultimately serves as a significant chapter in her artistic and personal development.