Madame Curie

Marie Curie was an inspirational, ahead of her time and important figure, a pioneer in her field while having to deal with and overcome a lot of significant adversity. Her story is a fascinating one as well as complex, and was both intrigued as to whether a feature length would be enough to do it and her justice. It was hard to not say no to seeing 'Madame Curie', as Mervyn LeRoy was a very dependable director who did make some truly fine films (i.e. 'Random Harvest') and the cast promises a lot.

On the whole, 'Madame Curie' was very well done, infinitely superior to the recent 'Radioactive' that had a great lead performance but was mostly very disappointing. It is not easy making an interesting and accessible film of this subject, which absolutely fascinated me but may be too complex and dry for others less familiar with Curie and her contribution to science, but 'Madame Curie' does so admirably if imperfectly. Although it is not perfect, there is a lot to admire.

Will start with what 'Madame Curie' does well. It is impeccably made and produced, with sumptuous sets and costumes complemented beautifully by even more elegant and suitably glossy cinematography. The music doesn't get too melodramatic or over-scored, while still excelling in bringing out the story's emotional core without overdoing it. LeRoy directs sympathetically while still being involved, seldom feeling leaden. The script is intelligent and well meaning, if occasionally rambling.

The story is more respectful to the truth than expected, given the general reputation of biopics straying from the facts. Not only is the personal life element emotionally investable and not soapy, everything with Curie's findings more accessible than expected also. One wasn't too favoured over the other, the characters aren't too sketchy (Curie and Pierre are both interesting) and the film does a far better job than 'Radioactive' at how progressive her findings were, their influence in science and how her mind worked. As well as the extent of the adversity that she faced. The first third is especially entertainingly and sensitively done and the more serious middle act is more serious yet fascinating.

Greer Garson may not look like Curie but her performance is still sincere, forceful and deeply committed. She is great at making Curie an interesting character and a real person rather than an icon or caricature, with so much to admire yet with flaws. Walter Pidgeon is a reliably strong presence, superb in his delivery of the speech to the jeweller, and their chemistry is magic. The rest of the acting shows fine talent giving their all.

It's not perfect, with some very sluggish pacing in the final third. Which also felt too thin, predictable and like the film had run out of steam. Pidgeon is the best thing about this section of the film.

Concluding, very well done and interesting. 8/10.