A Filmmaker's Guide: "Blanche" (1971)

In this chapter of ‘the filmmaker’s guide’ we’re actually going to be learning about literature and film together. I understand that many of you are sitting in university during difficult times and finding it increasingly hard to study and I understand that many of you who are not at university or not planning on it are possibly stuck of what to do, need a break or even need to catch up on learning film before you get to the next level. This guide will be brief but will also contain: new vocabulary, concepts and theories, films to watch and we will be exploring something taboo until now in the ‘filmmaker’s guide’ - academia (abyss opens). Each article will explore a different concept of film, philosophy, literature or bibliography/filmography etc. in order to give you something new to learn each time we see each other. You can use some of the words amongst family and friends to sound clever or you can get back to me (email in bio) and tell me how you’re doing. So, strap in and prepare for the filmmaker’s guide to film studies because it is going to be one wild ride.

'Blanche'

Blanche is an interesting film because of the way it has been made to look more like a piece of artwork from the Medieval Era rather than simply a slice of time. An incredible piece of cinema, this film revolves around a married woman named Blanche, who lives in the French Court and is the wife of the castle's master. Be that as it may, every single man seems to be head over heels in love with Blanche in some way, shape or form.

Sometimes referred to as a curse, Blanche is a personality that nearly everyone who watches this film finds interesting. She is kind and caring, but also somewhat bold in her choice of words and shrouded behind her own beauty. She is both mysterious and completely open - it is just what we choose to believe about her as said by others.

Let's take a look at a couple of stills here:

Still #1

It's almost obvious to suggest that the power dynamics of sexuality show that women are quite literally, towering over the men. Not only that but women tend to be dressed in lighter colours, showing their ability to be 'both'. The first thing they are is close to the man they are involved with, but they also fit into the atmosphere and roles of the Medieval woman perfectly - be as constrained as they may, they still retain power as suggested by this woman's hands on either sides of the man's head.

Still #2

The woman - Blanche - is decorating herself in a headdress. However, this also shows something else. The pure and innocent Blanche put forward by her clothing in white, the almost mysterious Blanche by the nature of her not looking at anything in particular but just staring down, the contrasting and powerful Blanche because of her strong metal headdress. Almost like armour, Blanche applies the headdress and her eyes are wide open as opposed to concentrating on how she is putting her decorations on. It is a very strange scene near to the start of the film.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I think that there are many reasons to watch this film because of the fact it not only shows Blanche’s womanhood and her ability to manipulate the men around her, but it also shows her face when faced with austerity, when faced with disagreement and when faced with something or someone she cannot fully understand. A beautiful movie, it needs to be seen by far more people.