GFF 2013: The Artist and the Model

Set in the French-Spanish border during World War II, The Artist and the Model is an understated, slow-burning tale about inspiration and beauty. Shot in crisp monochrome, with nothing to distract from the image except the constant chirp of cicadas, it follows elderly artist Marc Cros (Jean Rochefort) and his relationship with Merce (Aida Folch), a young runaway found by Cros' wife and offered a bed in return for working as a nude model.

Despite spending the majority of the film naked, Folch retains an air of mystery, becoming accessible only in brief moments that show a more carefree side. Rochefort is perfectly cast as Cros, temperamental and detached, viewing – initially, at least – Merce as simply another model with whom he attempts to find inspiration. Yet there is an undercurrent of sensuality that runs throughout, which is subtle, palpable, and never uncomfortable. Each moment is implied, rather than overt. A beautifully shot film with a delicate relationship at its core, it feels small and intimate, but contains intriguing hints towards much larger concepts. [Becky Bartlett]