Total Eclipse Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Two poets drink a lot of absinthe and act like dramatic teenagers.

🍿 Total Eclipse: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Arrival of Rimbaud

In 1871, established poet Paul Verlaine invites young, rebellious Arthur Rimbaud to Paris after being impressed by his poetry. Rimbaud’s unconventional behavior and radical ideas immediately disrupt Verlaine’s life and household, causing tension with his pregnant wife, Mathilde.

A Destructive Romance

Verlaine and Rimbaud’s intense artistic connection soon evolves into a passionate and tumultuous love affair. Their relationship is marked by alcohol abuse, violence, and emotional turmoil, leading to Verlaine neglecting and abusing his wife. The two poets abandon societal norms and embark on a destructive path together.

Breakdowns and Partings

The film depicts the cyclical nature of Verlaine and Rimbaud’s relationship, characterized by frequent reconciliations and separations. Verlaine’s internal conflict between his love for Rimbaud and his responsibilities to his wife exacerbates the volatility of their affair. Their destructive lifestyle eventually culminates in a violent confrontation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Arthur Rimbaud (Leonardo DiCaprio): A young, rebellious, and exceptionally gifted poet whose unconventional lifestyle disrupts the established literary circles.
• Paul Verlaine (David Thewlis): An established poet who becomes consumed by his passionate and destructive relationship with Rimbaud.
• Mathilde Maute (Romane Bohringer): Verlaine’s pregnant wife who is neglected and abused as Verlaine becomes increasingly involved with Rimbaud.
• Isabelle Rimbaud (Dominique Blanc): Rimbaud’s sister who is his confidante and witness to his tumultuous life.
• Rimbaud’s Mother (Nita Klein): A stern and controlling figure in Rimbaud’s early life, representing the conventional world he rejects.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Arthur Rimbaud: “The only unbearable thing is that nothing is unbearable.” – Rimbaud’s cynical outlook, expressing a sense of disillusionment and existential angst.
• Arthur Rimbaud: “I’ve found it. What? Eternity. It’s the sun mingled with the sea.” – Closing lines capturing Rimbaud’s poetic vision and search for transcendent beauty.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $8,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $340,139
• Worldwide Gross: $340,139

💥 Total Eclipse Reviews

Personal Review

Wow, what a ride! Total Eclipse is a movie that sticks with you. I was captivated by Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance as Rimbaud; he really went for it. The intensity between him and David Thewlis was palpable. The movie is definitely not for everyone, but it made me feel like I was thrown into the chaotic world of these two troubled artists. The scene where they’re running through the fields after getting kicked out of the cafe really got to me.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Those interested in LGBTQ+ cinema”
  • “Viewers who appreciate films about artists and writers”
  • “Leonardo DiCaprio fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic sexual content”
  • “Nudity”
  • “Alcohol and drug abuse”
  • “Violence”
  • “Mature themes”

Professional Reviews

• IMDb: “While the acting is commendable, particularly DiCaprio’s raw portrayal of Rimbaud, the film prioritizes the poets’ tumultuous relationship over their literary contributions. The result is a descent into cruelty and madness that overshadows any sense of their genius, leaving a somewhat hollow experience.
• Rotten Tomatoes: “Total Eclipse is undeniably bold, showcasing DiCaprio’s willingness to take on challenging roles. However, its relentless focus on the sordid and shocking aspects of Rimbaud and Verlaine’s relationship leaves little room to appreciate their artistic brilliance. Ultimately, a missed opportunity to explore the intersection of genius and madness.

Audience Reactions

Leonardo DiCaprio’s brave and intense performance as Arthur Rimbaud.: Viewers frequently commend DiCaprio for his committed portrayal of a complex character, even if the film is not for everyone.

David Thewlis’ portrayal of Paul Verlaine as a tortured and self-destructive soul.: Thewlis brings depth to a character that could easily be dismissed, showcasing Verlaine’s internal struggles with remarkable nuance.

Overall Consensus: Total Eclipse is a controversial film admired for its bold performances but criticized for prioritizing sensationalism over substance.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Ouzo was used as a replacement for absinthe for the drinking scenes filmed on the first day due to logistical reasons. Because the scene turned out so well, method drinking was adopted for the rest of filming, leading to Thewlis admitting he doesn’t remember much of the production.”
• “Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal of Arthur Rimbaud is considered by some critics and fans to be among his best and most challenging early roles, showcasing his commitment to complex characters before his ‘Titanic’ fame.”

🖥️ How to Watch Total Eclipse?

Total Eclipse is available for purchase or rental on various platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV. Check local listings and streaming services for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Total Eclipse, you might like these similar films:

• Maurice (1987): Explores the complex emotional and social landscape of a gay relationship in a restrictive historical context, similar to the forbidden love depicted in ‘Total Eclipse’.
• Carrington (1995): Deals with unconventional relationships and artistic lifestyles in early 20th-century England, offering a comparable portrayal of intellectual and personal freedom.
• The Dreamers (2003): Explores themes of youthful rebellion, sexual experimentation, and artistic passion against a backdrop of social and political upheaval, mirroring the intensity of ‘Total Eclipse’.
• Velvet Goldmine (1998): A glam rock-era film that explores similar themes of artistic rebellion, sexual freedom, and the blurring of identity, albeit in a different cultural setting.

🛒 Total Eclipse Related Products

• Arthur Rimbaud: Complete Works: Dive deeper into the mind of the poetic genius. This collection features all of Rimbaud’s poems and prose, offering a full exploration of his revolutionary style and themes. Essential for understanding the artist behind the controversial figure portrayed in the film.
• Total Eclipse [Blu-ray]: Experience the film in high definition. Watch Leonardo DiCaprio and David Thewlis in their raw and intense portrayals of Rimbaud and Verlaine. Great visual and sound quality and behind-the-scenes content.
• Absinthe Kit: For adults only. This kit gives you a taste of what they were drinking back then. A special absinthe spoon and glass are included to prepare and enjoy the drink responsibly, just like Verlaine and Rimbaud (though hopefully with less drama!).
• Bohemian Rhapsody: Explore the life of Freddie Mercury and the band Queen. This biopic is visually stunning and has a brilliant soundtrack, with scenes so brilliant that you’ll be transported to a world of music, excess, and emotional depth.

🎧 Soundtrack

Total Eclipse features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Arrival” – performed by Hank Deckon and Jan A.P. Kaczmarek
• “None” – performed by Warsaw Symphony Orchestra and Wilanow String Quartet

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Leonardo DiCaprio – Gay Hot Kiss

Want to see a memorable moment from ‘Total Eclipse’? This clip gives you a peek at a pivotal and intense scene between the characters. You might be surprised by the raw emotion!

Leonardo DiCaprio wouldn’t go gay

Ever wondered about the controversy surrounding Leonardo DiCaprio’s role choices, especially in a film like ‘Total Eclipse’? This video dives into it, and honestly, it brings up some interesting points about method acting. Worth a watch!

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