Corsage: a modern reinterpretation of Empress Sissi
The movie Corsage by Marie Kreutzer released in theaters in 2022, offers a new and contemporary vision of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, better known by her nickname Sissi. Far from the romantic depictions immortalized by Romy Schneider, this intimate drama explores the torments of a woman locked in chains of her time and her role as empress.
The film focuses on a particular period of Sissi’s life: the year 1877, when she celebrated her 40th birthday. In a society where youth and beauty are essential attributes for powerful women, the empress, in the throes of an existential crisis, begins to question your role. Elizabeth is no longer satisfied with the appearances imposed by the court of Vienna. Behind the tight corsets and sumptuous dresses, she seeks a freedom that seems inaccessible.
Marie Kreutzer dusts off the myth of Sissi, often perceived as frozen in idealized stories. With a modern approach, the director makes the empress a complex, rebellious and deeply human woman. Social pressures, loneliness and aging become universal themes that still resonate today.
A masterful performance by Vicky Krieps
At the center of Corsage it is the masterful interpretation of Vicky Krieps, who embodies a tormented Elizabeth of Austria but determined to free herself from the constraints of her time. Already known for her roles in Ghost thread, Bergman Island or more recently The Three Musketeersthe Luxembourg actress offers a subtle performance here, which combines fragility and power. He manages to humanize a historical figure often reduced to his beauty and imperial status.
Presented at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival in the section A certain respect, Corsage was praised by critics, largely due to the depth and modernity instilled by Vicky Krieps. Far from simply reinterpreting an iconic role, it establishes Sissi as a woman ahead of her time, torn between her personal desires and the oppressive expectations of those around her.
Marie Kreutzer’s production accompanies this performance with a careful and deliberately minimalist staging. The sumptuous settings of the Viennese imperial court contrast with Elizabeth’s internal tension, captured in shots that favor intimacy and detail. The soundtrack, which incorporates contemporary elements, reinforces this feeling of discrepancy, giving the film a modern resonance while remaining rooted in its era.
Source: Cine Serie
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