Everything about Portrait of A Lady on Fire is so lovingly crafted, from the nuanced and commanding central performances to the cinematography and subtly woven story line – they all combine to produce a genuine piece of cinematic art. The lighting and palette drew inspiration from 18th century paintings, there are scenes in this film that will stay with me fore some time… and the slowly building inevitable climax to the story is heart achingly gratifying.
The color palette of the design references the dresses between the two unrequited lovers, the portrait of Héloïse is imitating the portrait as seen through Mariannes eyes, the smudge referencing the love that they know can never be, and the book at the bottom of the design references the painting at the heart wrenching climax of Portrait of A Lady on Fire
