Watch Total Eclipse

Total Eclipse is a gripping drama based on the true story of the relationship between two iconic French poets of the 19th century, Arthur Rimbaud (played by Leonardo DiCaprio) and Paul Verlaine (David Thewlis). The film is directed by Agnieszka Holland and explores the tumultuous and passionate love affair between the two poets, as well as their artistic rivalry and the profound impact they had on each other's work.

The movie focuses on the intense emotional and physical connection between Rimbaud and Verlaine. Rimbaud is the young and rebellious poet, whose provocative and audacious work captivates Verlaine, an established poet who is struggling with his own sense of artistic relevance. The two men quickly become infatuated with each other, embarking on a heated love affair that scandalizes society and causes turmoil in their personal lives.

As the film progresses, we see the tumultuous nature of their relationship, which is fraught with intense passion and violent fights. Verlaine is married to Mathilde (Romane Bohringer), and his infidelity results in public disgrace and criminal charges. The two poets travel to London to escape the scandal, but their relationship deteriorates further, leading to Verlaine shooting Rimbaud and being subsequently imprisoned.

The film brilliantly explores the psychological complexities of Rimbaud and Verlaine and delves deep into their respective artistic minds. It highlights the struggle they faced in reconciling their lives as poets with their lives as lovers, and the pain and agony that comes along with it. The movie manages to capture the essence of their art, allowing the audience to understand how Rimbaud used his experiences to fuel his writing, while Verlaine struggled to reconcile his creative passions with his own personal demons.

DiCaprio and Thewlis deliver outstanding performances, with DiCaprio giving one of his earlier and most highly-acclaimed performances. He manages to embody the intensity and rebellious spirit of Rimbaud, while Thewlis gives an incredible performance as Verlaine, capturing the desperation and despair the poet is feeling in attempting to come to terms with his sexuality and his place in the world.

The movie is also visually stunning, with the cinematography and set design capturing the essence of the 19th century and the dark underbelly of the poets’ Bohemian lifestyle. The film is an adaptation of the play of the same name by Christopher Hampton, and the theatrical nature of the script is adapted incredibly well to the screen, adding an additional layer of emotional depth to the characters.

Total Eclipse is a powerful and intense drama, exploring themes of love, passion, art, and self-destruction. It's an ideal choice for those interested in the lives of artists and the creative world, as well as for those seeking an insightful and emotionally powerful drama. The movie is not an easy watch, as it deals with mature and often disturbing themes, but for those that are prepared to dive into the lives of Rimbaud and Verlaine, it is a truly rewarding experience.