In her latest film, “Love Lies Bleeding,” director Rose Glass plunges us into a whirlwind of emotions and mysteries. A striking cinematographic work that promises to captivate and move us. Hold on, the journey begins…
Rose Glass, London-based director, finally releases her long-awaited new film: “Love Lies Bleeding”. After the success of his first feature film “Saint Maud”, she returns to the forefront with a poignant and daring story. The film, presented at the Berlinale 2024 in official selection out of competition, enriches its cinematographic universe already rich in suspense and depth.
Change of Scenery: From Scotland to the United States
Initially, the scenario of “Love Lies Bleeding” was to take place in Scotland but Rose Glass ultimately chose to set the plot in the United States. This change provides a backdrop rich in myth and symbolism, perfect for a thrilling revenge tale.
Lou, played by Kristen Stewart, is a lonely gym manager who falls in love with Jackie (played by Katy O’Brien), an ambitious bodybuilder. Their passionate relationship will lead them into a spiral of violence and turmoil, a recurring theme in Glass’s work.
A Starry Cast
For this film, Rose Glass has assembled an impressive cast. In addition to Kristen Stewart and Katy O’Brien, the film stars renowned actors like Ed Harris, Jena Malone, and Dave Franco. This combination of talents contributes to the depth and intensity of the film, making each character memorable and captivating.
A Return to the 80s
“Love Lies Bleeding” takes place in the world of sports halls and shooting ranges in 1989. This period marks the end of the Reagan presidency and echoes imagery celebrating the power of the male body. The film critically revisits this era, incorporating contemporary elements such as criticism of toxic masculinity and the repercussions of the #MeToo era.
Cinematographic Influences
Rose Glass draws its inspiration from several cinema classics from the 80s and 90s. There are nods to films like “Rambo” And “Rocky”, as well as more engaged works like “Thelma and Louise” And “Point Break”. These references enrich the film by bringing additional depth to its story.
A Reflection on Violence and Sexuality
The film highlights the contrast between the brutal violence and the inner softness of the characters. Jackie, the bodybuilder, embodies physical strength but also vulnerability, while Lou brings a methodical calm in the face of the brutality of the world around her. This duality is central in the film and allows for a deep reflection on human nature.
A Visual and Charismatic Cinema
Under the direction of Ben Fordesman, the director of photography of “Saint Maud”, “Love Lies Bleeding” is enveloped in a reddish light which accentuates the dreamlike and hallucinatory visions of the characters. This aesthetic choice reinforces the almost mystical character of the film, where body horror is explored in a visceral and carnal way.
A Committed and Transgressive Work
With “Love Lies Bleeding”, Rose Glass continues to position herself as a daring filmmaker. It offers a modern and political approach without falling into easy activism. His film presents itself as an embodied alternative, offering spectators a new reading of genre cinema, enriched by a personal and committed touch.
Exploring violence, the body and human relationships, “Love Lies Bleeding” asserts itself as a transcendental work which reinforces Rose Glass in its position as leader of a powerful and iconoclastic feminist cinema.
