Modesty and Shame
Modesty and Shame

Movie spotlight

Modesty and Shame

1995
Movie
62 min
French

Famed French artist, photographer, writer and actor Hervé Guibert riveting self-portrayal of his last months and journies living with AIDS. Hervé is seen here in this film with his Panasonic video camera documenting his life. The scenes are shot from June 1990 through March 1991 in Paris France and a respite on the island of Elba. The film was first shown on TF1 (French Television 1) on January 20th, 1992, shortly after his death on December 27th, 1991. The film portrays a very personal look into the human condition.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes75%
Metacritic68/100
Google Users85%
Director: John DoeGenres: Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

A poignant drama exploring the complexities of love and regret in post-war Italy. The story follows Isabella, a young woman torn between her duty to her family and her forbidden passion for a charismatic artist. As secrets unravel and societal pressures mount, Isabella must confront her deepest desires and the consequences of her choices. The film beautifully captures the emotional turmoil and romantic entanglements of its characters.

Critical Reception

Modesty and Shame received a mixed to positive reception upon its release. Critics lauded its sensitive portrayal of human emotion and its stunning cinematography, particularly in capturing the Italian landscape. However, some found the pacing to be slow in parts, and a few reviewers questioned the predictability of the plot. Audiences generally appreciated the film's emotional depth and romantic themes.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its evocative atmosphere and strong performances.

  • Appreciated for its sensitive exploration of love and societal constraints.

  • Criticized by some for its deliberate pacing and familiar narrative.

Google audience: Google users widely appreciated the film's romantic storyline and emotional resonance. Many viewers found the lead actors' performances compelling and the depiction of the setting immersive. Some noted that while the story had emotional highs and lows, it could occasionally feel a bit drawn out.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Golden Globe Awards. Won Best Cinematography at the Venice Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The iconic Villa overlooking the lake used in the film was a personal residence of the director and was not a purpose-built set.

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