Julie Gayet stars as Olympe de Gouges in the biopic "Olympe, une femme dans la Révolution," which aired on France 2 on March 3, 2025, just days before International Women’s Day. This poignant film sheds light on the life of the revolutionary figure known for her commitment to women's rights, capturing her last days leading up to her execution during the Reign of Terror.
Co-directed by Gayet and Mathieu Busson, the film has been anticipated for its portrayal of de Gouges, who was not only a fierce advocate for women but also authored the "Declaration of the Rights of Women and of the Citizen". This declaration, published in September 1791, boldly asserted: "La Femme naît libre et demeure égale à l'homme en droits," encapsulating her fight for equality.
Set primarily against the turbulent backdrop of Paris in July 1793, during one of France's bloodiest periods, the film offers viewers insight not only about de Gouges’s struggles but the broader societal conditions affecting women. Gayet emphasized the film's necessity on both personal and societal levels, stating, "C’était une nécessité de faire un film pour elle, pour toutes les jeunes femmes, les jeunes hommes, qui ne connaissent pas forcément son histoire..." This speaks to the educational mission behind the work and the aim to capture the spirit of de Gouges's groundbreaking activism.
The filming took place over merely 19 and a half days, largely held within the beautiful landscapes of Aveyron, where the production team faced the challenges of recreative historical authenticity, including the discomfort of period costumes. Gayet recalled, "Quand la costumière vous installe le corset la première fois, elle ne le serre pas trop... Puis, une fois cette étape passée, la costumière resserre le corset," highlighting the extensive preparations and physical demands of embodying such a historical figure. She noted, "Avec le corset, il faut faire attention à tout... c'est vraiment quelque chose d'ingrat."
Audiences were transported back to the chaos of the French Revolution. The film’s intense focus is on the moments leading up to Olympe’s arrest, showcasing her defiance against the political repression of the time and her struggles as she sought to make women's voices heard. The character of Robespierre is portrayed as both formidable and intolerant, capturing the drastic ideological differences of the era.
Having viewed Olympe de Gouges’s life through Gayet’s interpretation, many viewers may feel inspired to reflect on contemporary women's rights issues, bringing relevance to de Gouges’s legacy. Even after over 200 years, her story resonates deeply today, making the film not just a recounting of history but also a call to action.
The premiere was met with discussions on its broader impact, prompting viewers to engage with de Gouges's significance today as we navigate issues surrounding gender equality. Julie Gayet aims to not only celebrate Olympe's life but also encourage young audiences to understand the history of feminism and women's rights.
While the movie is informative, it does not shy away from the darker facets of de Gouges’s existence. By presenting her as both courageous and human, the film encourages empathy and highlights the complexity of her struggles as she fought against the oppression of women and sought justice.
Post-broadcast discussions with the audience, which included visits to numerous colleges across Tarn-et-Garonne, Gers, and Aveyron, aim to deepen young people's awareness of historical pasts. Gayet accentuates the importance of these forums as platforms for discussion and education about women’s roles throughout history, reflecting on how far society has come and the work still left undone.
By selecting France 2 for the airing of "Olympe, une femme dans la Révolution," Gayet and her team demonstrated their commitment to public education, ensuring accessible content reaches a wide audience rather than relying solely on box-office success. Gayet noted, "Nous voulions vraiment que ce film soit vu par le plus grand nombre," emphasizing the team's desire for the film to serve as both entertainment and enlightenment.
This film marks not just another biopic entry, but rather, it allows Olympe de Gouges, a woman whose intellect and bravery defined her era, to be celebrated anew today. Julie Gayet's portrayal embodies the spirit of this remarkable figure who boldly declared women's rights at a time when such views were radical, ensuring her voice echoes through time.
"Olympe, une femme dans la Révolution" presents itself as both historical memoir and fervent call to action, inviting all to reflect on gender rights and the legacies left behind by the courageous predecessors like Olympe de Gouges. This dramatic retelling encourages contemporary audiences to recognize their role within this continuous narrative for equality, urging all to take part, much like de Gouges herself did over two centuries ago.