by Shane Conto, Staff Writer
Just how well can we find relevance and relatable experiences far back in the past? You might be surprised just how much the human experience is cyclical and perpetual. There obviously are many things that change over time. There are advancements in technology that revolutionize the human experience. There are new civilizations that rise and fall over the centuries. But when you look at it on a human level, we are all still humans. We experience many of the new things, whether it is 2022 or 1877. That is just a fact, and that is the wonderful thing about period pieces. We can be lost in a new world and experience but are still anchored by the basic human condition.
What ideas and themes translate over time to make Corsage relevant and impactful? This captures a timeless challenge that women experience every day. Everyone always seems to have an opinion on a woman aging: her weight, how she carries herself, and so many other aspects of her life. Whether it is high society circles spinning whispers, early day newspapers spreading rumors in 1877, or the endless supply of social media and online news perpetuating endless rumors 24/7 in 2022, these are real experiences that add challenges and roadblocks in people’s lives. These issues are not unique for women, but the amount of scrutiny that they experience over aging and looks are so much more intense. This is the core story of this period drama, focusing on Empresses Elizabeth of Austria.
How does writer/director Marie Kreutzer balance all these themes and ideas? There is a nice energy about the film, and Kreutzer keeps itrolling in a meaningful way. Along with this energy, the tone is both hilarious, thanks to the personality imbued to Elizabeth by our wonderful lead, Vicky Krieps, and incredibly awkward, thanks to the horrible things that she must go through. The production design and costumes are breathtaking — Kreutzer surrounds us in this impactful and realized period of history. The score is beautiful, and the cinematography is quite gorgeous. From all the technical aspects, this one is firing on all cylinders.
But what (or who) is the crown jewel of this period drama? Krieps. She is an amazing talent, and Phantom Thread is so significant for finally making the world realize it. Corsage finds her taking her talents to a whole new level. She is energetic, proud, charismatic, and vulnerable. She must consistently experience men criticizing her weight, beauty, and age, and Krieps is able to deliver that stiff upper lip. She is also a charismatic force, from faking fainting episodes, seducing the attractive men around her, and letting it all hang out as she tries to reconnect with her distant and cold husband. But her vulnerability shines through as well when she feels the pressure coming down on her. Krieps is an absolute force, and she better be getting that attention come awards season.
Is Corsage a biopic worth your time? The themes are poignant and so relevant all these years later. Krieps’ performance is a towering energy storm that you should let lift you right off the ground. Elizabeth’s story is an amazing parallel for the modern female experience in the tabloids, the news, and all over social media. Kreutzer’s film might not be perfect, but it sure offers up a big, bold character study. Check out this international hit from Austria that might be making some splashes this Oscar season.
Score: 8/10
Corsage is currently playing in limited theaters
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