Total Eclipse

Paul Verlaine encounters Isabelle Rimbaud, the sister of the poet Arthur Rimbaud, at a charming café in Paris. Isabelle, along with their mother, demands that Verlaine surrender the remaining copies of Rimbaud's poetry so they can be burned, bringing back memories of his complex relationship with Arthur.

Verlaine reflects on how his tumultuous relationship with Arthur began in 1871 when the young poet sent his works from his home in the provinces. This impulsive act leads Verlaine to invite the talented 16-year-old poet to his affluent in-law's residence in Paris.

Rimbaud arrives at Verlaine's home, shocking his middle-class family with his brazen behavior and disregard for social norms. The once-stable household of Verlaine begins to feel the strain of Rimbaud's wild spirit and intellect.

At 27, Verlaine becomes increasingly captivated by Rimbaud not only for his physical allure but for his astounding poetic genius. This infatuation drives Verlaine deeper into a personal crisis, as he grapples with the constraints of his marriage and societal expectations.

The relationship between Verlaine and Rimbaud takes a toll on both their lives, leading to emotional disarray and infliction of pain. As Verlaine neglects his pregnant wife, the intensity of their connection becomes increasingly tumultuous and destructive.

In a fit of drunken rage in Brussels, a frustrated Verlaine shoots Rimbaud, marking a tragic escalation in their volatile relationship. Following this shocking act, Verlaine faces severe repercussions, including a hefty fine and a two-year prison sentence.

During his imprisonment, Verlaine undergoes a profound spiritual transformation as he embraces Christianity. This newfound faith stands in stark contrast to Rimbaud's persona, deepening the rift between the two poets and altering Verlaine's worldview.

After serving his sentence, Verlaine travels to Germany in a misguided attempt to rekindle his romance with Rimbaud. However, their reunion does not bring the closure he seeks; the two men part ways, never to reunite, reflecting the irreversible change in their relationship.

Following their separation, Rimbaud embarks on an extensive journey around the world, ultimately settling in Abyssinia where he manages a trading post. There, he also takes a mistress, seeking solace far from the literary world that once defined him.

Rimbaud's health deteriorates when a tumor is discovered on his knee, compelling him to return to France for amputation. Despite this medical intervention, the cancer spreads, signaling the beginning of the end for the once-vibrant poet.

In his final moments, Rimbaud reflects on his life's journey, with imagery from his poem *Le Dormeur du val* surfacing in his mind. He ultimately succumbs to illness at the age of 37, leaving behind a legacy marked by his intense creativity and tumultuous relationships.

During her meeting with Verlaine, Isabelle Rimbaud claims that her brother made peace with a priest before he passed away, exhibiting remorse. She insists that only edited versions of his work should continue to exist, a sentiment Verlaine feigns agreement with.

After Isabelle's departure, Verlaine, now addicted to absinthe, revels in nostalgia, envisioning the youthful Rimbaud. This act signifies his inability to escape the shadows of their shared past and the emotional turmoil that haunts him.

The film closes with Verlaine reminiscing about his blissful moments with Rimbaud. As he reflects, Rimbaud appears in the distance, traversing a mountain range, implying that he has found eternity, a stark contrast to Verlaine's present struggles.