La Parisienne in Cinema: Between Art and Life

The Parisienne is a captivating cinematic figure that combines scholarship in art history, literature, and fashion to explore her portrayal in film. This comprehensive study will interest students, researchers, cinephiles, and Francophiles alike, offering new perspectives on this intriguing character.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 07 May 2019
Publisher: Manchester University Press

The Parisienne, a captivating and enigmatic figure, exudes a sense of chic, sophistication, and seduction that defies easy definition. However, who or what exactly is the Parisienne, and how has she been portrayed in cinema? In a groundbreaking book-length study, experts from the fields of art history, literature, and fashion come together to shed light on this intriguing cinematic persona, offering fresh perspectives on film. This comprehensive and accessible work will captivate students, researchers, cinephiles, and Francophiles alike, as it delves into the depths of the Parisienne's allure and explores her representation in various cinematic masterpieces.

The Parisienne's enigmatic nature has captivated the world for centuries, and her portrayal in cinema has been no exception. From the silent films of the early 20th century to the modern-day masterpieces, the Parisienne has been depicted in a myriad of ways, each reflecting the unique cultural and social context of the time.

One of the most iconic depictions of the Parisienne is in the classic French film "La Dolce Vita" by Federico Fellini. In this film, Marcello Mastroianni plays the character of Marcello, a journalist who falls in love with a beautiful and mysterious woman named Sylvia. Sylvia, played by Anita Ekberg, is a symbol of the Parisian lifestyle, with her elegance, sophistication, and sense of freedom. She is a woman who knows what she wants and is not afraid to go after it, and her presence in the film adds a sense of glamour and excitement to the story.

Another notable portrayal of the Parisienne is in the Hollywood film "Breakfast at Tiffany's" by Blake Edwards. In this film, Audrey Hepburn plays the character of Holly Golightly, a young woman who moves to New York City and becomes entangled in a complicated relationship with a wealthy older man named Paul Varjak. Holly Golightly is a quintessential Parisienne, with her love of luxury, her sense of style, and her ability to charm anyone she meets. She is a woman who is independent and self-sufficient, but also vulnerable and fragile, and her portrayal in the film captures the essence of the Parisienne's complex personality.

In recent years, the Parisienne has also been depicted in a more modern and contemporary light. In the film "Amélie," directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, the character of Amélie Poulain is a quirky and eccentric woman who lives in Paris and works as a waitress. Amélie is a symbol of the Parisian spirit, with her love of art, her sense of humor, and her ability to find joy in the simplest of things. She is a woman who is independent and self-confident, but also vulnerable and lonely, and her portrayal in the film captures the essence of the Parisienne's complex and multifaceted personality.

The Parisienne is not just a character in films, but a cultural icon that has been celebrated and emulated for generations. She is a symbol of the city of Paris, with her elegance, sophistication, and sense of style. She is a woman who is independent and self-sufficient, but also vulnerable and fragile, and her portrayal in cinema has helped to shape our understanding of this intriguing and complex figure.

In conclusion, the Parisienne is a captivating and enigmatic figure who has been portrayed in cinema in a myriad of ways. From the classic French films of the early 20th century to the modern-day masterpieces, the Parisienne has been depicted as a symbol of elegance, sophistication, and seduction. She is a cultural icon who has been celebrated and emulated for generations, and her portrayal in cinema has helped to shape our understanding of this intriguing and complex figure. Whether she is a symbol of luxury, independence, or vulnerability, the Parisienne remains a timeless and iconic cinematic character who continues to captivate audiences around the world.

Weight: 274g
Dimension: 140 x 214 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526139535