Céline Sciamma: complete retrospective in Paris from June three to sixteen

The MK2 Bibliothèque cinema in Paris is hosting the first comprehensive retrospective of director Céline Sciamma from June 3 to 16. The program includes all her films, a masterclass, and a talk with actress Adèle Haenel. An opportunity to review her cinema focused on identity and desire.

cinematic scene of a film projector beam cutting through a dark cinema auditorium, light illuminating floating dust particles, a 35mm film reel spinning with visible sprocket holes and film grain texture, audience silhouettes in foreground watching a close-up of two faces on screen, emotional tension between characters, soft warm light from projector contrasting with cool blue shadows, photorealistic technical illustration, shallow depth of field, film grain overlay, lens flare effects, dramatic chiaroscuro lighting, ultra-detailed projector lens and mechanical components

How the gaze is constructed: planning and staging 🎬

Sciamma employs precise editing and static shots that avoid gratuitous movement. In Portrait of a Lady on Fire, the symmetrical framing reinforces the tension between the protagonists. Her use of off-screen space and the duration of the shots create a slow pace that prioritizes emotion over action. Natural lighting and ambient sound complete a technique that seeks the truth of gestures.

Masterclass: how to survive a cinema without explosions 🍿

The retrospective includes a masterclass where Sciamma will explain her method. She will surely talk about shots and silences, while in the room some spectator waits for a tutorial on making movies with dinosaurs. Most likely, she will end up recommending reading books instead of watching Netflix. At least there will be popcorn to endure the lesson.