Total Eclipse

Total Eclipse

Year: 1995

Runtime: 111 min

Language: English

Director: Agnieszka Holland

BiographyDramaRomance

In this poignant drama, the passionate lives of two renowned poets, Paul Verlaine and Arthur Rimbaud, spiral out of control amidst a backdrop of bohemian excess. Absinthe-fueled indulgence, unrequited love, and creative fervor fuel their destructive descent, leaving behind a trail of broken relationships and shattered dreams.

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Timeline & Setting – Total Eclipse (1995)
Explore the full timeline and setting of Total Eclipse (1995). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1871-1891

Set in the late 19th century, the film reflects a period of intense literary and social change in Europe. This era is pivotal for the expression of emotions and the exploration of alternative lifestyles, particularly among artists and thinkers. It showcases the tensions between bourgeois respectability and the bohemian lifestyles that were emerging as radical critiques of society.

Location

Paris, Belgium, Germany, Abyssinia

The movie traverses several key locations, including the artistic and bustling streets of Paris, where Paul Verlaine and Arthur Rimbaud's relationship ignites. Belgium serves as the backdrop for a pivotal and violent moment in their tumultuous affair. Later, the story moves to Germany, where aspirations of rekindling romance darken with Rimbaud's solitary journey to Abyssinia, known for its rich history and diverse cultures.

🏙️ City 🌄 Landscape ✈️ Travel

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:57

Main Characters – Total Eclipse (1995)
Meet the key characters of Total Eclipse (1995), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Paul Verlaine (David Thewlis)

Paul Verlaine is a complex character torn between his responsibilities and his desires. As a married man and a poet, he is captivated by the youthful genius of Rimbaud, leading him to neglect his own family. His emotional struggles and eventual downfall due to addiction exemplify the tensions between societal expectations and personal fulfillment.

✍️ Poet 🎨 Creative 😔 Tragic Figure

Arthur Rimbaud (Leonardo DiCaprio)

Arthur Rimbaud, a rebellious and brilliant young poet, represents raw talent and defiance. His carefree attitude and audacious personality challenge the conventions of Verlaine's world, igniting a passionate yet tumultuous relationship. Rimbaud's journey from an idealistic artist to a disillusioned figure symbolizes the struggle against societal norms and the pursuit of personal freedom.

🌟 Genius 🚫 Rebel 😢 Enigmatic

Isabelle Rimbaud (Romane Bohringer)

Isabelle Rimbaud is a pivotal character representing familial bonds and the repercussions of Peer's actions. Concerned for her brother's legacy, she confronts Verlaine about the impact of Rimbaud's life choices and his poetry. Her strong emotional presence sheds light on the familial love and complications that stem from the passionate turmoil between the two poets.

💔 Sister 🛡️ Protector 📜 Voice of Reason

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:57

Major Themes – Total Eclipse (1995)
Explore the central themes of Total Eclipse (1995), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

❤️ Passion

The film encapsulates the theme of passion as it explores the intense and often destructive relationship between Verlaine and Rimbaud. Their profound emotional connection is marked by both inspiration and suffering, mirroring the beauty and pain of their creative pursuits. The juxtaposition of love and jealousy drives the narrative, illustrating how passion can lead to both artistic triumph and personal tragedy.

⚖️ Conflict

Conflict permeates the relationship between Verlaine and Rimbaud, from societal expectations to personal betrayals. The film delves into the complexities of their bond, highlighting how external judgments and personal demons can spark conflict. Ultimately, these conflicts lead to tragic consequences and shape their identities as artists and individuals.

🔮 Destiny

Destiny plays a crucial role in shaping the lives of both poets. Their meeting appears fateful, and yet their paths are fraught with tragedy and separation. The film invites viewers to ponder themes of fate and free will, examining how their choices lead to their eventual downfalls and the legacies they leave behind.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:57

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