In the movie “Portrait of a Lady on Fire,” there is a scene where Marianne and Héloïse share an intimate moment together for the first time. As the scene fades to black, director Céline Sciamma incorporates a clever visual gag involving the application of a substance on each other’s armpits. While the exact nature of the substance is not explicitly clarified in the film, it can be inferred that they are applying some kind of herbal hallucinogen or aphrodisiac.
Sciamma’s use of this visual gag serves multiple purposes within the context of the film. Firstly, it adds a touch of humor to the scene, providing a brief moment of levity amidst the emotional intensity of the characters’ connection. The unexpected nature of the armpit application and the subsequent reactions from Marianne and Héloïse can elicit laughter from the audience, effectively breaking the tension.
Additionally, the act of applying a substance to the armpits carries symbolic significance. Armpits are often associated with body odor, sweat, and natural scent, which are all elements of human attraction and desire. By choosing to focus on this particular body part, Sciamma subtly emphasizes the sensual and intimate nature of the characters’ relationship.
The use of a hallucinogen or aphrodisiac further enhances the scene’s thematic exploration of desire and passion. It suggests that Marianne and Héloïse’s physical intimacy is not solely driven by their emotional connection but also influenced by external factors. The substance acts as a catalyst, intensifying their desires and heightening the sensory experience of their encounter.
While the exact identity of the substance remains open to interpretation, its inclusion in the film adds an intriguing layer of complexity to the scene. It invites the audience to contemplate the role of external influences on intimacy and the blurred lines between natural attraction and artificial stimulation.
It is worth noting that Sciamma’s choice to employ this visual gag is not without historical context. Throughout history, various cultures have explored the use of natural substances, such as perfumes or aphrodisiacs, to enhance sexual experiences. By incorporating this element into “Portrait of a Lady on Fire,” Sciamma subtly acknowledges the historical context of female desire and sexuality, often suppressed or overlooked in mainstream narratives.
The substance applied to the armpits in “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” is left intentionally ambiguous, allowing the audience to interpret its significance. Whether it is a hallucinogen, an aphrodisiac, or simply a creative device, its inclusion adds depth and complexity to the scene, highlighting the sensual and intimate nature of Marianne and Héloïse’s relationship.