Anna Novion’s “Marguerite’s Theorem,” showcased in the Special Screening section of the esteemed 76th Cannes Film Festival, delves into the mind of a mathematical genius and evokes parallels with the captivating narratives of mad genius biographical dramas like “A Beautiful Mind,” “The Imitation Game,” and “The Theory of Everything.”
Under the direction of Novion, the film stars Ella Rumpf as Marguerite Hoffmann, alongside Jean-Pierre Darroussin as Laurent Werner, Clotilde Courau as Suzanne, Julien Frison as Lucas, and Sonia Bonny as Noa. Rumpf’s portrayal of Marguerite, with her otherworldly appearance and a haunting resemblance to Liv Ullmann, adds a mystical dimension to the character—a mathematical savant who isolates herself from the world in pursuit of the ultimate truth through mathematical formulas and moments of mystical ecstasy.
The narrative follows Marguerite, a brilliant but solitary woman, as she embarks on a quest to solve a perplexing problem using her intellect and unwavering determination. However, the film goes beyond the realm of mere mathematical puzzles. It explores Marguerite’s emotional isolation, the weight of guilt, harassment, and despair that hang over her existence—a triad of themes that serve as the very subject of Novion’s thesis and a pretext for her exploration of Ingmar Bergman’s cinema.
Novion masterfully weaves together the threads of mathematics and emotions, presenting mathematical numbers as codes from another universe concealed beneath the veneer of normality. This otherworldly quality is enhanced by the choral score, meticulously composed to underscore the film’s atmospheric mood. The entire cinematic experience revolves around capturing this essence, the moment when intricate mathematical calculations unravel the path to truth.
As the narrative progresses, Marguerite’s discoveries lead her to a profound realization—the formulas on the wall are not just abstract mathematical constructs, but manifestations of the ultimate truth. This revelation is visually represented as figurines take on distorted forms and proportions, while the background gradually transforms into a hazy white, symbolizing Marguerite’s fusion with the supreme truth of the universe.
“Marguerite’s Theorem” provides audiences with a unique opportunity to delve into feelings of guilt, harassment, and despair, ultimately culminating in a sense of release that accompanies existence in such a world. The film immerses viewers in Marguerite’s journey, skillfully crafted by Novion and her team.
The production, helmed by Miléna Poylo and Gilles Sacuto of TS Productions, showcases a script penned by Anna Novion, Mathieu Robin, Marie-Stéphane Imbert, and Agnès Feuvre. The cinematography by Jacques Girault, editing by Anne Souriau, and the composition by Pascal Bideau perfectly complement Novion’s directorial vision, elevating the film’s ethereal ambiance.
“Marguerite’s Theorem” is a thought-provoking cinematic exploration, seamlessly blending the realms of mathematics and emotions. Novion’s directorial prowess, coupled with a compelling performance by Ella Rumpf, brings to life the enigmatic world of a mathematical genius in a truly mesmerizing fashion.
