In this episode of Midday Movies, hosts Laura and Stephen discuss the 2019 French romantic drama “Portrait of a Lady on Fire,” directed by Céline Sciamma. They highlight the film's historical accuracy, its exploration of 18th-century life, and the profound romantic connection between the characters Marianne and Heloise. The discussion also touches on the movie's mythological references to Orpheus and Eurydice and its strong emotional impact. The hosts delve into themes of love, loss, and the roles of women, making it clear why this film is hailed as one of the greatest romances of the 21st century.
00:00 Introduction to Midday Movies Podcast
00:07 Overview of 'Portrait of a Lady on Fire'
01:01 Hosts' Personal Reactions
02:03 Plot and Characters Breakdown
08:14 Themes and Symbolism
09:19 Romantic Development and Key Scenes
11:47 The Enchanting Isolation of the Castle
12:42 The Orpheus and Eurydice Painting
13:22 Music as a Connecting Point
17:15 The Role of Sophie
19:18 The Unstructured Hangs
19:56 Final Thoughts and Recommendations
And look forward to our Alien-themed RPG “Facehuggers and Friends,” featuring members of the Umbrella Podcast Collective (https://www.rainydayrabbitholes.com/umbrella) as players. Released this month alongside the FX’s “Alien: Earth” series (2025).
Follow the Umbrella Podcast Collective on IG at @umbrellapodcastcollective or Facehuggers and Friends @facehuggersandfriendspod for updates on “Facehuggers and Friends: An Alien RPG.”
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