Stéphanie Di Giusto's film "Rosalie," which premiered on April 10, 2024, has made waves as it prepares for its upcoming broadcast on Canal+ on February 11, 2025. This remarkable film deftly narrates the extraordinary story of Clémentine Delait, known as the "bearded lady," who lived her life challenging societal norms.
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, precisely the year 1870, the film follows Rosalie's transformative decision. Portrayed by Nadia Tereszkiewicz, Rosalie is not your average young woman; her face and body are covered with hair due to hypertrichosis, leading her to hide her condition from the world through constant shaving. But everything changes when she marries Abel, played by Benoît Magimel, unaware of her secret.
Di Giusto, known for her acclaimed debut feature "La Danseuse," explores the idea of acceptance and personal freedom through Rosalie's character. "After Loïe Fuller, I encountered another extraordinary woman: Clémentine Delait, whose feminine visage with facial hair intrigued me. I had vivid images to explore—a mystery to unravel," Di Giusto shares, emphasizing her desire to portray Delait’s life beyond mere spectacle.
Despite the film's setting, the actual shooting took place predominantly in the scenic landscapes of Brittany. Locations included the stunning Forges-des-Salles, where 163 scenes were filmed, as well as the picturesque chapelle Saint-Gildas just for Rosalie's wedding scene. The effort reflected Di Giusto's vision of authenticity, as she stated, "It's all about the stories preserved within these stones, these buildings. They echo the past..." The production team even involved local extras to provide the film with an authentic flavor.
Critically, "Rosalie" has been described as daring yet tender. It avoids the temptation to exploit the sensational nature of its subject, instead focusing on intimacy. "What I aimed to express was the true essence of being different without resorting to the usual circus tropes," Di Giusto mentioned.
Both Tereszkiewicz and Magimel have received praise for their performances. Tereszkiewicz noted the arduous preparation process to embody her character: "Getting ready took several hours every morning. It was more than just putting on makeup; it was about transitioning fully. The costume itself took around 40 minutes, and the hair and make-up process could stretch to two hours, not to mention the application of the facial hair, which took over one and half hours!" This diligence certainly pays off as she delivers a transformative performance capturing Rosalie's struggles.
The emotional depth of the film resonates with audiences, exploring themes of love, acceptance, and the societal gaze on those who do not conform to traditional beauty standards. Through marital struggles between Rosalie and Abel, the film reflects broader social commentary on the challenges faced by those who step outside conventional boundaries. It is said to heal some of Abel's trauma from past wars, illustrating how love and acceptance can bridge personal hurt.
Delait's story is rooted deeply in her intense experiences; born to farmers, she is depicted as another victim of societal ridicule turned celebrity. "I feared the mockery of my peers, yet they admired me. My cafe was always full..." Delait's experiences mirror those of many who struggle with self-acceptance. This tension contributes to Rosalie's poignancy—a film crafted with care to inspire courage among viewers.
Overall, "Rosalie" presents audiences with both the harsh realities and mesmerizing beauty of acceptance. Its upcoming airing presents the perfect opportunity for viewers to engage with history through the lens of fiction, connecting contemporary issues of identity to those faced by individuals like Delait, who navigated her unusual life with resilience. The film not only captures the individuality of its central character but also provides insight and empathy toward those who live on the fringes of mainstream society.
With its engaging narrative, rich character development, and the stunning backdrop of historical France, "Rosalie" stands out as not just another film, but as a heartfelt exploration of what it means to embrace one's true self—hair and all.