Everybody wants to talk about the sex.
The graphic love-making depicted in Blue Is the Warmest Color, by far the most controversial film of the year, has been debated since the movie premiered at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, where it won the Palme d'Or, the festival's biggest prize. In recent months, the controversy has turned to the perhaps unethical methods of director Abdellatif Kechiche. All of it is building to a perfect storm of buzz before the movie opens in select theaters this Friday, October 25. Kechiche was accused of violating labor laws and harassment by the cast and crew, and in an interview with The Daily Beast, both Léa Sedoux and Adèle Exarchopoulos described the snot, blood, and physical and emotional violence of the never ending filming process. Both were quoted saying they would never work with Kechiche again.
The three-hour film centers around high school student Adèle (Exarchopoulos) who, unsatisfied with her life, meets Emma (Seydoux), a confident older art student who brings on a sexual awakening in the younger girl. Kechiche's practices are suspect, but there's not mistaking the movie for anything less than brilliant. It captures first love (and the first breakup) with more heart and harsh truth than anything else out. (Maybe this is why the state of Idaho has effectively banned the movie.)
Seydoux is one of the biggest actresses in France, but she and Exarchopolous are virtually unknown in the States, so don't be embarrassed that you've never heard of them/can't pronounce either of their names. Because the movie is so good, though, you should acquaint yourself with the two stars. It's time to meet your new favorite Adele (and Lea, of course).