Cinema is the art of the photographic image as it slips away, failing to establish itself, and is given over to the death of the present and the rebirth of the moment. The motion picture that is conscious of the beauty of its own image, and the desire to maintain it, as a photograph or a sculpture might, will naturally dwell upon its subjects, yet with a gorgeous futility. The change from frame to frame is unavoidable, indeed part of the texture of the cinema, whether it arises from the wind, or the breath of the human subject, or the movement of the hand that washes the foot, or some faint tremor of the camera. This is an aesthetic of insatiate desire, and Fernando Trueba's THE ARTIST AND THE MODEL is its veritable model.I want to own his film, to be able to freeze its black-and-white images on my DVR and gaze on them at will... READ MORE: http://osburnt.com/the-artist-and-the-model/

First off, there is a lot of nudity. Though mostly it is not sexualized nudity (if you dismiss a bit of voyeurism that will be going on at some point). But it's necessary, because in this case if is there to prove a point. Actually to show us the view/take on things by the main male character, who is a sculptor (mainly).There is different takes on life and what it can portray or what it is. There is also a spin on the Adam and Eve story here (which might be too on the nose and a comparison the movie itself does not shy away from). The actors are really good and the movie has a nice pace, even if at first you're not sure where it's all heading. And it's in black and white, like the poster suggest and surely the trailer is showing too ;o)

One review here called this film "bleak". I thought it anything but.Marc Cros (played by Jean Rochefort) is an observer--of life, of nature, of beauty, of life's rhythms--like any true artist must be. His is a special quest, a search for inspiration and for a project that is worthy of his time. He finds a young model named Merce (played by Aida Folch) and sets out to find his inspiration.Art might be viewed as an abstract principle or as a part of life. Cros's search is a philosophical one, but it takes place during the Nazi occupation of his homeland, France. At one point, the war invades his artistic sanctuary, but he is skilled at focusing on beauty even in such circumstances.In the end, "The Artist and the Model" shows us the fleeting nature of inspiration, the transience and persistence of beauty, and the sometimes obsessive nature of the artist in finding his inspiration.

Splendid film from the Academy Award winning director of ¨Belle Epoque¨ and ¨Chico and Rita¨ . It deals with a semi-retired sculptor Marc Cros (Jean Rochefort) , an old artist , lives with his wife named Lea (performed by ex-Italian bombshell Claudia Cardinale) who is now in his seventies and thickly bespectacled housekeeper (Chus Lampreave) , all of them reside in the rural south of France , in the middle but safe of the WWII that rages in the distance . He seems to have reached the end of his life and of his art . One day, Léa gives shelter to a marvelous young Spanish political refugee called Mercè (Aida Folch) . Their life is simplistic and gentle , experiencing little impact from the war that rages on in the north of the occupied country by Nazis (Gotz Otto) . The arrival of the young girl inspires the artist to once again to draw and develop his artistic skills . Marc soon understands that the girl, who agrees to pose for him, inspires him and gives life .Enjoyable drama with historical elements about France occupation from Nazis ; including enjoyable performances , adequate set design and delightfully shot . Thought-provoking as well as touching tale about an elderly sculptor who embarks on this last artistic and sensual adventure . ¨The artist and the model¨ results to be an agreeable story to deal with youthful , beauty , art , being developed in mirth , lively and vital style , though a sad ending . A very pleasant drama , plenty of sensitivity , emotion , artistic scenes and abundant nudism in charge of Aida Folch . This is Trueba's return to top form, with an intelligent and engaging script which uses entertaining situations to give us a good movie in a high sense and intimate sensitivity and that kept me entertained for the almost two hours of duration . It is well set and is as marvelously filmed as it is written and acted . This is one of those rare gems that does not stray from its purpose - to be a celebration of love , nature , and romance and sensitive tale of an old man to seek and find the beauty . Oscarized director Fernando Trueba , also writes the interesting script along with prestigious screenwriter Jean Claude Carriere , Luis Buñuel's ordinary . Filmed in his usual formal and luxurious style , without leaving a trace the joyful themes , in terms of dramatic and narrative excitement . The tone of The Artist and The Model is warm and reflective, centred on the contrasting dynamic of the gypsy -like Mercè , Aida Folch - housed by our couple , Rochefort-Cardinale , after escaping war-torn Spain - and the wizened, yet passionate Marc . The film is light and never somber, no small accomplishment from Fernando Trueba and his team . Starring French character actor Jean Rochefort - adds to the director's already eclectic oeuvre, making for satisfying viewing. Fernando Trueba had thought about doing this movie for years but it wasn't until his choice for the character Jean Rochefort called him up and said that he was going to retire that Trueba finally decided to go ahead and do it. When Fernando Trueba discussed the idea of the movie with Aida Folch, without even a screenplay, Folch left everything in Spain and moved to Paris for a few months to learn French properly and be ready for the project. Very good secondary cast formed by familiar faces such as Chus Lampreave , Gotz Otto and veteran Claudia Cardinale . Luxurious and evocative cinematography in black and white, shot in sumptuous monochrome , by Daniel Vilar , one of the best Spanish cameramen who has efficiently worked in Hollywood .Being filmed on location in wonderful landscapes from Perpignan, Pyrénées-Orientales, France ,Olot, Girona, Catalonia, Spain . Trueba had had this project in store since 1990 , initially he was to make this film in collaboration with Maximo, his sculptor brother , but his brother died and he gave up the whole thing until 2010. In fact , the film is dedicated to his brother , Maximo Trueba , and sound engineer , Pierre Genet , both of whom sadly deceased .This simple , attractive and delightful motion picture was well directed by Oscar-winning director Fernando Trueba , as the flick is entertaining and well worth your time . His first success was Ópera Prima (1980) following the style of the "Madrid comedy". Trueba had major success with Sé Infiel y No mires Quién (1985) also known as : Be Wanton and Tread No Shame , starting a longer collaboration with the producer Andrés Vicente Gómez . He went on directing numerous successes such as Coarse salt , Too Much , Year of Enlightment , Milagro de Candeal , Niña De Tus Ojos or The Girl of Your Dreams , Calle 54 , Embrujo De Shanghai , Chico and Rita and recently : The Artist and the Model. The multi-award winner in Spain Fernando Trueba was President of the Spanish Academy of Motion Picture Arts and he received the 1994 Oscar for Best Foreign Film to Belle Epoque (1992)and when accepting his Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, director (Fernando Trueba) said: "I would like to believe in God in order to thank him for this prize, but I only believe in (Billy Wilder), so... Thank you, Mr. Wilder!". Wilder himself reportedly phoned Trueba a few days later for acknowledgment and told him: "Hello Fernando, I'm God".