"The Beast": A Movie that Made Léa Seydoux Schizophrenic

"It's the future, but it's also the present. It's tomorrow." Bertrand Bonello said in an interview. Perhaps this is why he set his new work "The Beast" in a dystopian world 20 years from now. In his first attempt at a science fiction film, Bertrand hopes to move beyond the two existing narratives, not just talking about technology and disasters.

Bertrand explores the impact of novelty and the anxiety of humanity when encountering the unknown through interweaving three storylines. In 1910, Gabrielle was a piano player who caught the eye of high society and felt uneasy about Arnold Schönberg's atonal experimental music; in 2014, she was an actress auditioning for roles, with the advancement of green screen technology diminishing the importance of acting skills; in 2044, emotions became a flaw, and she was ready to undergo DNA purification to erase emotions. Technology has changed society without our consent, even transcending humanity.

"The Beast" explores not just the past and future, but also the complexities of the present. Bertrand Bonello, the creator, contemplated the challenges and uncertainties brought by today's tumultuous political climate, climate change, uneven economic development, and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. The film asks whether it's better to pursue a lucrative yet emotionally detached career or to embrace a life rich in emotion but deemed useless by societal standards. Bertrand emphasizes that this dilemma has been a constant thread in Gabrielle's life, spanning from the "belle époque" a century ago to the cold world of 2024.

As the sixth adaptation of Henry James' novella "The Beast in the Jungle," "The Beast" loosely connects to its source material. Director Bertrand Bonello, along with co-writers Guillaume Bréaud and Benjamin Charbit, took creative liberties, drawing inspiration rather than adhering strictly to the original narrative.

What immediately captivates is Léa Seydoux's portrayal. Throughout the film, spanning centuries, Seydoux as Gabrielle exudes stunning beauty and a mysterious, solemn aura in over 95% of her scenes. Gabrielle, a French pianist, debuts at an elegant 1910 party where she encounters Louis (played by George MacKay), and a deep attraction ensues. There's a hint of a past connection between them, though unclear if they were former lovers. In the present timeline, Gabrielle is married, but the union appears unsatisfying.

The film weaves together different timelines, each distinct in atmosphere, attire, and artistic design. By 2044, artificial intelligence has surpassed humanity, exerting dominance. Survivors undergo DNA purification, memory erasure, and emotional detachment—a reflection of AI's current cultural and economic impact, even within American business realms. Gabrielle's attire, once impeccably refined, now appears casual. She undergoes AI-led tests and interrogations (with AI voiced by Bertrand himself), captured evocatively in Josée Deshaies's close-up cinematography, which intensifies Seydoux's presence on screen.

As a fan of period dramas, I particularly enjoy the "Belle Époque" era in France on the eve of World War I, with the doll factory scenes being the most enchanting. Gabrielle and Louis find themselves at a crossroads, consumed by both internal and actual flames. This era's lavish settings sharply contrast with the simplicity of future aesthetics. Accordingly, art director Katia Wyszkop and costume designer Pauline Jacquard have designed three distinct visual presentations for each period.

In 2044, the empty streets and people wearing masks reminded me of the pandemic era. I'm always drawn to cinematic versions of the future, but the unfolding of "The Beast" seemed lacking in momentum, despite some intriguing moments and concepts. The most disturbing storyline took place in 2014. At this time, Gabrielle was a Los Angeles fashion model, and Louis was a teenage involuntary celibate (incel). He continuously posted videos online, making provocative statements about women and complaining that they refused to sleep with him. Themes of loneliness, failure, fear, existentialism, and obsession permeated the scenes from this period. Most of the "action" took place in Gabrielle's spacious Los Angeles residence, which was equipped with the most advanced security systems of the time.

The sound design is both evocative and unsettling. When Louis embarks on a terrifying plan, doom lingers in the air. This might serve as a critique on America's gun culture, with this version of Louis taking his creepy and horrific imagery from the perpetrator of the 2014 Isla Vista shootings. In a fleeting moment, “The Beast” makes a distinct appearance. Just as suffocating fear varies from person to person, so does "The Beast" represent different things in life for everyone, hence I didn't expect it to materialize in a visual form.

Throughout nearly two and a half hours, the film maintains a languid pace. Despite clear visual cues, including the green screen traces of Gabrielle’s scenes, the interweaving of the three storylines doesn’t achieve the success Bertrand had envisioned. Mysterious scripts can captivate as well as exhaust viewers, and this film manages to do both. Guslagie Malanda, who delivered an outstanding performance in “Saint Omer,” stars in this movie as a sexy robot whose role seems to have little purpose beyond teasing.

"The Beast" isn’t for everyone. For some, it could be a test of patience. Although the movie attempts to stand out, ultimately I found it lacked a consistent form, failing to create a deeper meaning.