Nuanced acting in 'Seraphine'

The exterior shots in "Seraphine" were composed in a way that makes them look like impressionist paintings. Those images are as pretty as a picture.

The interior shots in the film, on the other hand, are photographed in a murky, dark and even a bit ugly style. And the pacing is so slow that at times it has the feel of watching paint dry.

Consequently, art lovers — especially aficionados of so-called "neo-primitive" art — are more likely to enjoy or at least get more out of this biographical drama than casual filmgoers.

Still, it features a very strong performance by a seldom-heralded actress, French thespian Yolande Moreau, who has often been consigned to supporting roles.

She stars as Seraphine Louis, more commonly known as Seraphine de Senlis. This version of event shows how Seraphine toiled in obscurity until she and her paintings were "discovered" by Wilhelm Uhde, a German art critic.

(Ulrich Tukur, from the Oscar-winning "The Lives of Others," plays Uhde.)

Even with Uhde championing Seraphine's art, she still has to work several menial jobs (she works at a butcher shop, cleans houses and does laundry) just to pay for her supplies.

And as the film shows, she was still forced to resort to some innovative methods and means to create her own colors and paints.

Those familiar with Seraphine's story will know it's not a particularly happy or upbeat one. And the sometimes bleak imagery and tone that co-screenwriter/director Martin Provost creates does become oppressive.

However, Moreau's nuanced turn as the title character ensures that the film is not a complete loss. She's very convincing, especially when there arise some questions regarding her mental stability.

"Seraphine" is not rated but would probably receive a PG-13 for brief partial female nudity (as well as some nude artwork), brief animal gore, derogatory language and slurs, and brief drug references (various pharmaceuticals). Running time: 121 minutes.

e-mail: jeff@desnews.com