‘TITANE’: Metallic, Visceral, And Audacious
What a ride! Julia Ducournau's second film after the brilliant ‘Grave’ defies genre conventions, merging body horror with a profound exploration of identity, trauma, and transformation. Winner of the prestigious Palme d'Or at the 2021 Cannes Film Festival, ‘Titane’ cements Ducournau as a significant voice in contemporary cinema.
‘Titane’ follows Alexia (Agathe Rousselle), a young woman who survives a severe car accident as a child, resulting in a titanium plate being implanted in her head. The film begins with this traumatic incident, depicting a young Alexia in the crash's aftermath, laying the groundwork for her intricate relationship with machines and violence.
As an adult, Alexia works as an erotic dancer at motor shows, performing sexually charged routines on cars. One particularly striking scene showcases Alexia dancing provocatively on top of a Cadillac, bathed in neon lights, her body and the machine almost merging into one. This visually stunning scene is indicative of her deep, almost sensual connection with cars, stemming from her childhood accident.
Agathe Rousselle in ‘Titane’
Alexia's life takes a dark turn when she kills a fan who aggressively pursues her after a show. This murder scene is brutal and unflinching, highlighting her capacity for violence and the lengths she will go to protect herself.
On the run from the law, Alexia adopts a disguise by binding her breasts and stomach to appear as Adrien, the long-lost son of fire chief Vincent (Vincent Lindon). The transformation scene is both painful and poignant, as Alexia attempts to alter her body to fit her new identity. The makeup and prosthetics used to create this transformation are particularly noteworthy for their realism and impact.
Vincent, who is desperate to reconnect with his missing son, accepts Alexia despite the obvious inconsistencies. Their relationship forms the emotional core of the film, filled with moments of raw vulnerability and unexpected tenderness. One powerful scene features Vincent injecting himself with steroids, highlighting his own struggles with ageing and masculinity, juxtaposed with Alexia's journey of self-discovery and acceptance.
Agathe Rousselle in ‘Titane’
Ducournau's cinematographic style is a striking blend of stark realism and surreal imagery, creating a visual language that is as unsettling as it is captivating. While the film's opening scene sets the tone with a brutal car crash meticulously shot, drawing the audience into Alexia's traumatic world, the scenes at the firehouse, where Alexia as Adrien interacts with Vincent and the other firefighters, are marked by a gritty, almost documentary-like realism. The camera lingers on the physical labor and camaraderie of the firefighters, contrasting sharply with Alexia's internal turmoil.
At its core, it is a film about identity and the body's capacity for change. Agathe Rousselle delivers a fearless performance as Alexia, conveying a wide spectrum of emotions from detached coldness to profound vulnerability. Vincent Lindon is equally compelling as Vincent, a man grappling with his own insecurities and desperate for connection.
Ducournau delves into themes of transformation and acceptance, using body horror as a metaphor for the fluidity of identity. Alexia's journey is marked by violent outbursts and moments of tender humanity, challenging the audience to reconcile the two.
‘Titane’ is not for the faint of heart. It aims to provoke, disturb, and challenge viewers with its unflinching depictions of violence and body horror. The graphic transformation scenes and the blend of eroticism and brutality push the boundaries of conventional cinema and confront audiences with uncomfortable truths about identity and trauma. Julia Ducournau's brilliant direction, combined with outstanding performances and a bold narrative, makes ‘Titane’ a groundbreaking film.