The Burnt Orange Heresy Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Art critic goes to Italy, meets Mick Jagger, sets a house on fire, paints a fake painting, and kills his girlfriend, all for art… or something.

🍿 The Burnt Orange Heresy: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction of James Figueras and Berenice

James Figueras, an art critic, is portrayed as charismatic yet morally flexible. He meets Berenice, an American tourist, during one of his lectures in Milan. Their immediate connection leads to a romantic relationship, setting the stage for the events to come.

The Invitation to Lake Como

James receives an invitation from Joseph Cassidy, a wealthy art collector, to visit his estate on Lake Como. He invites Berenice to accompany him. Cassidy tasks James with securing an interview with the reclusive artist Jerome Debney, who lives on his property, in exchange for career advancement. Cassidy secretly desires a Debney painting.

The Debney Enigma and the Empty Canvas

James confronts Debney. He learns that Debney claims to have lost his artistic touch after a fire destroyed his work. Debney now creates art only in his mind. Desperate to fulfill Cassidy’s request, James steals a blank canvas, the titular “Burnt Orange Heresy,” and attempts to pass it off as a new Debney masterpiece.

Figueras’s Deception and Violent Descent

James paints the canvas himself and plans to present it as a Debney original. Berenice discovers his deception and threatens to expose him. In a panic, James attacks and seemingly kills her. He disposes of her body, believing he has eliminated the only witness to his fraud.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• James Figueras (Claes Bang): An ambitious art critic who becomes consumed by greed and insecurity while trying to procure a painting.
• Berenice Hollis (Elizabeth Debicki): An American traveler who becomes entangled in James’s scheme and uncovers his fraudulent nature.
• Joseph Cassidy (Mick Jagger): A wealthy art collector who hires James to obtain a rare painting, setting the events of the story in motion.
• Jerome Debney (Donald Sutherland): A reclusive artist whose work is the object of desire, living on Cassidy’s estate and influencing the unfolding events.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jerome Debney: “If you are an egg, I hope you’ll be careful.” – Debney offers enigmatic advice to Berenice, reflecting his philosophical and cautious outlook.
• Jerome Debney: “Do you know the saddest egg of all? The egg that believes it’s a stone.” – Debney shares a metaphorical observation about self-perception and lost potential.
• James Figueras: “My job is to separate the good lies from the bad ones.” – Figueras rationalizes his role as an art critic, revealing his cynical view of the art world.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $8 million
• Domestic Gross: $144,201
• Worldwide Gross: $711,691

💥 The Burnt Orange Heresy Reviews

Personal Review

I found myself completely drawn into the world of The Burnt Orange Heresy. The chemistry between Claes Bang and Elizabeth Debicki was electric, and I was constantly guessing where the story would take me. Donald Sutherland’s role was brief but impactful, and Jagger’s performance was surprisingly good. The ending left me with a lot to think about, which is always a good sign for me.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of neo-noir thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in art and art criticism”
  • “Those who appreciate character-driven stories”
  • “Audiences who enjoy morally ambiguous characters”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Nudity”
  • “Drug use”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Capotondi delivers a stylish neo-noir that explores the dark underbelly of the art world. While the plot occasionally meanders, the performances, especially from Bang and Debicki, are captivating. The film’s exploration of ambition and morality makes it a worthwhile watch for fans of character-driven thrillers.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “The Burnt Orange Heresy is an intriguing, if somewhat flawed, thriller elevated by strong performances from its cast. Jagger’s portrayal of the enigmatic art collector is particularly memorable. Though the film’s pacing is uneven, its exploration of art, truth, and deception offers moments of genuine insight.
• Variety: “Giuseppe Capotondi crafts a visually appealing thriller with a sharp script and compelling performances. While the film’s themes of artistic integrity and moral compromise are thought-provoking, the plot sometimes loses its way in its own complexities. Still, the strong performances and stylish direction make it an engaging watch.

Audience Reactions

Mick Jagger’s performance was a surprising standout.: The cast’s performances, especially those of the leads, are widely praised.

The film’s exploration of the art world’s underbelly is fascinating.: Many viewers found the movie visually stunning and enjoyed the Italian setting.

Overall Consensus: A stylish and thought-provoking thriller with strong performances, though some viewers found the plot convoluted.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is based on the 1971 neo-noir novel of the same name by Charles Willeford.”
• “Mick Jagger’s role as Joseph Cassidy marked his first major feature film appearance since 2001.”
• “Filming locations included the picturesque Lake Como in Italy, enhancing the film’s visual appeal.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Burnt Orange Heresy?

The Burnt Orange Heresy is available to rent or purchase on various streaming platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for availability. Additionally, physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) can be purchased from major online retailers and local stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Burnt Orange Heresy, you might like these similar films:

• The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999): Features a charismatic protagonist who resorts to deception and murder to achieve his ambitions in a glamorous European setting.
• The Square (2017): Also stars Claes Bang in a lead role, exploring the pretentiousness and moral ambiguities of the art world.
• American Psycho (2000): Explores themes of obsession, greed, and the dark side of ambition, set against a backdrop of wealth and social status.
• Séraphine (2008): Delves into the life of a reclusive artist and the role of those around her in enabling her work.

🛒 The Burnt Orange Heresy Related Products

• The Burnt Orange Heresy (Charles Willeford): Delve deeper into the twisted world of art and deception with the original novel that inspired the movie. Experience Charles Willeford’s masterful storytelling and explore the complex characters and themes in greater detail.
• Art Heist Movie Collection (DVD): A curated collection of classic and modern art heist films, perfect for viewers who enjoy the genre. Explore the themes of deception, ambition, and the allure of the art world with this collection of captivating stories.
• Abstract Art Painting Kit: Unleash your inner artist with this abstract art painting kit. Experiment with colors, textures, and techniques to create your own unique masterpieces inspired by the film’s themes of artistic expression and interpretation.
• The Rolling Stones: Let It Bleed (Limited Edition Vinyl): Celebrate Mick Jagger’s involvement in the film with a limited edition vinyl of The Rolling Stones’ iconic album ‘Let It Bleed.’ Enjoy classic tracks and appreciate Jagger’s musical artistry in a tangible, collectible format.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Burnt Orange Heresy features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Ombra Mai Fu” – performed by George Frideric Handel

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

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