The Sleeping Beauty

The Sleeping Beauty

Year: 2011

Runtime: 82 min

Language: French

Director: Catherine Breillat

Drama

A curse of eternal slumber befalls Anastasia at birth, forcing her to confront an uncertain fate. As three benevolent fairies intervene, they reshape the prophecy: instead of death, Anastasia will sleep for a century. Through dreamscapes filled with enchanting characters and whimsical adventures, she matures into adulthood, only to awaken to a reality where happiness is hard-won.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Sleeping Beauty (2011)
Explore the full timeline and setting of The Sleeping Beauty (2011). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie presents a contemporary setting, where modern themes of vulnerability, consent, and societal expectations intertwine amidst the characters' struggles. Lucy's various jobs reflect present-day economic challenges faced by young adults attempting to find their place in the world.

Location

High-end bar, University campus, Country mansion

The high-end bar serves as a backdrop for Lucy's complex social interactions, where she navigates the worlds of companionship and emotional distance. The university campus highlights her struggles as a student juggling multiple jobs. The secluded country mansion stands as a symbol of isolation, where dark secrets and exploitation unfold.

🏙️ City Life 🏡 Mansion

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:38

Main Characters – The Sleeping Beauty (2011)
Meet the key characters of The Sleeping Beauty (2011), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Lucy

Lucy is a complex character struggling to balance her academic life and various odd jobs to make ends meet. Her journey is marked by vulnerability, resilience, and a deep desire for connection, which is often thwarted by the manipulative behavior of those around her. Despite her hardships, Lucy's naivety and emotional depth shine through as she seeks both love and validation.

👩‍🎓 Student 🌪️ Vulnerability 💔 Heartbreak

Birdmann

Birdmann is a reclusive figure whom Lucy finds solace in, serving as a representation of her longing for emotional connection amidst her turbulent life. His tragic fate highlights the theme of despair and loss that looms over Lucy. His character adds a layer of complexity to Lucy's emotional landscape as she navigates grief and longing.

🦅 Loneliness 💔 Tragedy

Clara

Clara serves as a catalyst for Lucy's descent into exploitation, representing the allure and dangers of manipulation. While she offers Lucy a unique job opportunity, she simultaneously embodies the darker aspects of control and deceit. Her character blurs the line between mentor and predator, illustrating the complexities of relationships in the world of exploitation.

👩‍🏫 Manipulation 🌑 Deceit

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:38

Major Themes – The Sleeping Beauty (2011)
Explore the central themes of The Sleeping Beauty (2011), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️‍♀️ Exploitation

Exploitation is a central theme, depicted through Lucy's passive acceptance of her job and the predatory behavior of those around her. Her role as a service provider in intimate situations raises questions about consent and agency. The chilling climax underscores the dangers of neglecting personal autonomy.

💔 Despair

Despair permeates Lucy’s journey as she grapples with loss, eviction, and toxic relationships. Her spiral into recklessness illustrates the psychological toll of her experiences. The film poignantly captures her emotional struggle against the backdrop of external pressures.

💊 Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is explored through Lucy's increasing reliance on drugs to escape her grim reality. The film examines how escapism can lead to further degradation. This theme serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of the human psyche amid overwhelming circumstances.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:38

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