This telling of the true story of artist Charlotte Salomon overcomes some narrative drawbacks; namely a rather slow pace, and an occasional vibe reminiscent of an educational film in middle school. Whether you dig the animation style – bold lines, stylized by way of its stark simplicity, will come down to your personal taste in art. I liked it – reminded me of the animation in the great film FLEE, which, by the way, is worth a look now.
But speaking of art, Charlotte is a young German-Jewish painter who comes of age in Berlin on the eve of the Second World War. It’s not a good time to be a Jew in Germany, but as the story begins, her wealthy family and undeniable talent keep her pushing ahead with her ambitions to enter the most prestigious art school. I’ll go as far as to say that she improbably gets in, but as the budding Nazis become increasingly powerful and cruel – she escapes to the south of France, where she creates paintings of her life in a series that would become celebrated.
As I said, there are other elements that I will not reveal, and don’t go to Wikipedia until after you’ve seen the movie. But a family tragedy reveals a dark secret, and then,of course, there’s the looming fear of being found by the bad guys.
Keira Knightly’s voice delivery is good, the all-star cast do great work. I especially love the voice of actor Mark Strong, whose pipes are tremendous, even without being able to see his great face.
And her collection of acetates overlaid over paint were really something – her oeuvre known as “Life? or Theatre?” is a cool collective work to behold. Just read about it after you’ve seen it, not before.
Opens in New York – This Friday, April 22
Quad Cinema
https://quadcinema.com/film/charlotte/
Opens in Los Angeles – This Friday, April 22
Laemmle Royal in West Los Angeles
Laemmle Playhouse 7 in Pasadena
Laemmle Town Center 5 in Encino
https://www.laemmle.com/film/charlotte
Opens in San Francisco / Berkeley – Friday, April 29
Landmark’s Opera Plaza in San Francisco
Landmark’s Shattuck Cinemas in Berkeley
https://www.landmarktheatres.com/san-francisco/film-info/charlotte
Opens in Atlanta – Friday, April 29
Regal Tara Cinemas
Opens in Boston / Arlington, MA – Friday, April 29
Capitol Theatre
Opens in Columbus, OH – Friday, April 29
Gateway Film Center
Opens in Irvine, CA – Friday, April 29
Regal Edwards Westpark
Opens in Phoenix, AZ – Friday, April 29
Harkins Theaters Shea 14
Opens in Seattle, WA – Friday, May 6
SIFF Film Center
Opens in Winston-Salem. NC – Friday, May 6
a/perture cinema
Opens in Cincinnati – Friday, May 6
Esquire Theater
Additional U.S. cities to follow throughout May & June.
More than 15 Canadian cities/markets are also confirmed in Canada. Check back for added cities.
‘Charlotte’ Official Trailer
