Claudel was already quite talented before she came to study under the master sculptor Rodin. In Claudel’s earlier career she was introduced to the director of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Paul Dubois. “Dubois immediately recognized the strength of these early works, a strength he had previously seen elsewhere, and exclaimed: ‘You took lessons with Monsieur Rodin!’ But Camille had not yet met Rodin. She did not even know his name.” In the film Camille Claudel, Claudel clearly as having talent she had before working under Rodin. She is shown in her own studio, and the first sculpture she makes out of marble is not only a fragile piece of stone but she is also given no guidance or assistance by anyone. The resulting product is a sculpture of foot that has been elegantly sculpted, including the veins and what appears to be a great sense of anatomy. In the film this sculpted foot earns the awe of the studio sculptors and Rodin’s signature, marking his approval as well as his acceptance of her working under him. Dialogue throughout the film by the character Rodin and by others give praise to Claudel as either being Rodin’s equal or even surpassing his abilities. In life Claudel was certainly recognized for her brilliance and achievements in …show more content…
Their love life reads as romantic novel yet the reality of their relationship was truly was as multi fascinated and as passionate as represented on screen. “Over the years Claudel was Rodin's student, model, lover, friend, rival (after 1892) and nemesis.” Rodin was promiscuous with the ladies. He often had sexual relationships with the female models. His primary mistress was not a model but a respectable woman by the name of Rose Beuret. “Though Rodin had a longtime mistress, Rose Beuret, and a whole string of others on the side, his affair with Claudel would have an intensity unlike any others. After the sex they could talk about Bernini and Donatello.” The film touches both on Claudel’s and Rodin’s sexual relationships as well as their romantic interactions. The film quotes from the end of a letter that Claudel wrote in life:
“Monsier Rodin,
Since I have nothing to do, I am writing to you again. You can’t imagine how good life is at Islette…
I walked about the park. Everything has been cut, hay, wheat, oats. One can stroll around everywhere. It is charming. If you are nice, and keep your promise, we will be in