Movie Spotlight: 'The Ice Tower' ('La Tour de Glace') - A chillingly captivating film of the week
In the hauntingly beautiful world of Lucile Hadzijhalolovic's fourth feature film, "The Ice Tower", Marion Cotillard plays a dual role that is as captivating as it is enigmatic. The film, currently out in French cinemas and set to release in the US on October 3, UK theatres on November 21, and the BFI London Film Festival next month, is a glacial adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen".
The plot revolves around Jeanne, an unhappy orphan played by Clara Pacini, who flees a foster home and pretends to be an extra in the film production of "The Snow Queen". Her infatuation with the famous actress Cristina Van Der Berg, played by Cotillard, adds layers to the story in the second half of the film, contributing to Jeanne's quest.
Cristina's character, a wounded soul with a jaded heart that threatens to become irreversibly icy, is compared to Norma Desmond, a character from the film "Sunset Boulevard". She demands a vampiric sacrifice from a younger version of herself, much like Norma did. However, another interpretation of Cristina's character is that she is resigning herself to what she's known all along: this adolescent awakening only casts her as a steppingstone.
The film is characterized by its brooding atmosphere, minimal dialogue, and recurring motifs, creating a world that feels more about vibes than a crescendoing narrative. The visual style includes butterscotch lighting, shadowplay, and references to childhood classics like Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel.
One of the film's most striking features is its use of mise en abyme, with the totemic presence of a camera replacing the fantasy staple. Hadžihalolović offers a meditation on how cameras, like mirrors, can reflect and deform reality. The film within a film creates a unique and thought-provoking experience for the audience.
Marion Cotillard's character, Bianca, drops her dead mother's beads, symbolizing her abandoning her birth mother and opening herself up to a maternal substitute. This moment is significant as it marks a turning point in Jeanne's journey.
Cristina recognizes this and strikes, possibly seeing Jeanne as a steppingstone. A mutual infatuation grows between Jeanne and Cristina, and they become connected through a crystal from a costume.
Lucile Hadzijhalolovic, a French director known for her work in films like "Innocence" and "Earwig", is considered one of the most singular voices in French cinema. Her latest work, "The Ice Tower", is no exception, offering a unique and thought-provoking take on a classic fairy tale.
Don't miss out on this chilling adaptation when it hits theatres near you. Prepare to be captivated by the haunting beauty of "The Ice Tower".
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