Maxim Ford directed the British erotic drama film, Picture of Beauty, in 2017. It is inspired by the 1970s European erotic art films. Its bold take on the themes of sexuality, repression and freedom acts as a hallmark of period drama. The story revolves around the early 20th century in which art serves dual purposes – literally and symbolically – of depicting the infatuation with desire awakening in a restricted world.
Plot Overview
Stepping into the less explored countryside of Eastern Europe, the movie centers around Julia, a middle-class introverted girl. The region is sculpted with eastern vibrant colors. It tells of her journey to visit a far-off rural estate. Julia’s character could also be understood as a reserved and cultured girl. She embodies the surname wharton. Alongside, Julia meets her unfriendly childhood companion, a tomboyish confident spirited free school girl, Stephanie who stands by the women.
Things take an interesting turn when a local controversial painter approaches both girls to pose as models for his newest portrait. What initially appears to be standard portrait sessions evolves into deeper examination of personal identity, sexuality and emotional exposure.
With every passing moment, Julia gets further intertwined into the world of the painter and over the time, she confronts the harsh social standards that have constricted her life along with her latent desires.
Cast
Gabriela Jablonska in a minor role
Magdalena Bochan – Jachimek as The Governess
Pawel Hajnos as The Painter
Danielle Rose as Stephanie
Taylor Sands as Julia
Themes and Reception
“Picture of Beauty” comments on the themes of sexual awakening and, repression, as well as the contrast between nature and the restrictions of society, and has received acknowledgment for this exploration.
The film evokes a sense of classic European sensual cinema—drawing comparisons to the works of Tinto Brass and Walerian Borowczyk—while depicting the juxtap of woman’s inward journey within a male dominated society that seeks to control her body and desires.
Critics were quick to praise the film’s lush visuals, its leisurely pacing, and the tension within the atmosphere. Unlike most films, “Picture of beauty” does not depend solely on explicitness; instead, it engulfs the character’s experience in a dreamy quality using slow, painterly cinematography.
Some viewers have, however, pointed out the film’s sparse narrative and dialogue, which turns focus onto atmosphere, setting, visual storytelling, and mood.
Directors Vision
Maxim Ford regarded Picture of Beauty as his homage to a lost form of erotic cinema that celebrated sensuality, rather than shock, beauty instead of vulgarity. In his interviews, Ford touched upon the need to portray female desire representation without exploitation and let the characters approach their relationships intimately within a natural and artistic framework.
His vision was that visual art, nature and human connection be blended into a story about personal freedom, within a world that quietly suppresses freedom.
Conclusion
Picture of Beauty does not fit the mold of a conventional drama or a typical erotic film. It lies somewhere between the two, as a visual poem about beauty, rebellion and awakening.
Not every viewer will appreciate the film’s slow pacing and gentle storytelling, but those who appreciate artful cinema will experience a sensuous and haunting depiction of liberation.
In the end, Picture of Beauty encourages the audience to look beyond the visible and feel what is never articulated.