Movie spotlight
Augustine
Augustine, a young girl suffering from hysteria, arrives at the Salpêtrière Hospital. She quickly becomes the favorite model of the new photography laboratory and the patient of Professor Charcot. Little by little, she escapes the control of the doctors.
Insights
Plot Summary
The film chronicles the life of Augustine, a young woman suffering from epilepsy and hysterical seizures in the late 19th century. As a patient at the Maison de la Salpêtrière in Paris, she becomes a subject of intense scientific study and public fascination. Her journey explores themes of desire, repression, and the medical understanding of female hysteria.
Critical Reception
Augustine received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its atmospheric direction, Soko's powerful performance, and its sensitive exploration of a controversial historical subject. Some noted its deliberate pacing but acknowledged its artistic merit and historical significance.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its haunting atmosphere and Soko's compelling portrayal of a troubled patient.
Appreciated for its nuanced look at 19th-century views on female hysteria and mental health.
Some found the pacing slow but noted its artistic ambition and visual style.
Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews is not widely available.
Fun Fact
The film is inspired by the real-life case study of Augustine, a patient of neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot, whose work greatly influenced Sigmund Freud.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources