Mademoiselle Paradis

2017

1 hr. 37 min.

History

Drama

List

100%

12 Reviews

Tomatometer

100%

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Audience Score

A gifted and blind 18th-century Viennese pianist works with an extraordinary physician to restore her sight, but she slowly begins to realize that her recovery is coming at a terrible price.

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Peter G

This film by Barbara Albert is the thoroughly engrossing actual story regarding the blind pianist Maria Therisia Paradis who was temporarily able to regain her vision with the controversial treatment from an innovative figure Dr. (?) Mesmer (origin of the expression mesmerized) in 18th century Vienna. His treatment of Paradis' condition, which was perhaps related to ocular amaurosis had some benefits but this muscular disorder affected Paradis in such away that her virtuosic playing was compromised & this was eventually eventually restored once her blindness returned. All this actually took place but details concerning Paradis' condition its cause, temporary cure, & eventual visual regression are still uncertain to this day. Albert's view regarding Vienna society (as well as Paradis' selfish parents who view her as a meal ticket at the expense of her some helpful treatment, however temporary, from Mesner) is vividly described. In particular the performance of the Romanian actress Maria Dragus holds ones attention & she does not shy away from showing Paradis' sometimes unsympathetic qualities. The German actor Devid Striesow as Mesmer does interesting work as well. An unusual Film & one seen, it seems, by more critics than audiences. Well worth one's attention & Dragus gives the film much of its impact.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

11/28/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Full of symbolism and deep philosophical questions about what it means to see and to be noticed, this film pulls you into a woman's struggle to regain her sight without losing her virtuoso talent. The amazing costumes and sets, acting and writing, direction and lighting will stand out in my mind for a long time to come. This is what cinema should be and hasn't been in America for a very long time.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/20/23

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Barbara Albert

Director

Maria Dragus

Maria Theresia Paradis

Devid Striesow

Franz Anton Mesmer

Lukas Miko

Joseph Anton Paradis

Katja Kolm

Maria Rosalia Paradis

Maresi Riegner

Dienstmagd Agnes

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Guy Lodge

Variety

The engrossing result feels entirely modern, despite more spectacular, candy-colored ruffles than you can shake a bustle at.

Sep 26, 2017

Full Review

Boyd van Hoeij

Hollywood Reporter

An inquisitive, curious and gorgeously accoutered period piece about science, the senses and the position of women in Mozart-era Austria.

Sep 12, 2017

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Kate Taylor

Globe and Mail

Director Barbara Albert fashions a remarkable image of blindness and healing, of cruelty and of compassion.

Rated: 3/4

Sep 11, 2017

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Luke Gorham

In Review Online

Still, Mademoiselle Paradis is a satisfyingly left-of-center trifle, indulging the stylistic pomposity of this society while also ruthlessly critiquing it.

Aug 13, 2020

Full Review

Nicholas Bell

IONCINEMA.com

It is Dragus who remains the beating heart of Mademoiselle Paradis. Her face a complex cascade of differentiating shades of anguish, and she spins Resi into a highly empathetic characterization.

Rated: 3.5/5

Oct 10, 2019

Full Review

Pamela Powell

FF2 Media

Dragus' performance is exquisite as she embodies the blind musician, creating a thought-provoking situation of the price we place on our senses and abilities.

Aug 22, 2018

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Synopsis

A gifted and blind 18th-century Viennese pianist works with an extraordinary physician to restore her sight, but she slowly begins to realize that her recovery is coming at a terrible price.

Director: Barbara Albert
Screenwriter: Kathrin Resetarits
Production Co: Arte, Nikolaus Geyrhalter Filmproduktion, Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen (ZDF), LooksFilm
Genre: History, Drama
Original Language: German
Release Date (Streaming): Oct 25, 2018

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