Total Eclipse (1995) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Introduction: An Intense Tale of Passion and Poetry
Total Eclipse (1995), directed by Agnieszka Holland, is a gripping biographical drama that delves into the tumultuous relationship between two of the most controversial and revolutionary poets of 19th-century France: Arthur Rimbaud and Paul Verlaine. Based on the true story of their passionate and often destructive love affair, Total Eclipse explores themes of genius, obsession, and the limits of societal conventions. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as the rebellious and talented young Rimbaud, alongside David Thewlis as the older, more established Verlaine.
With its raw and unflinching portrayal of these poets’ lives, Total Eclipse offers a deep dive into the minds of artists who challenged the norms of their time. Below is a review of the film, followed by information on where to stream, rent, or purchase Total Eclipse online in the U.S.
Plot Overview: Art, Obsession, and Destruction
Set in the 1870s, Total Eclipse tells the story of Arthur Rimbaud (Leonardo DiCaprio), a young and gifted poet whose rebellious spirit and avant-garde approach to poetry shake up the French literary scene. Rimbaud is introduced to the older poet Paul Verlaine (David Thewlis), who is trapped in a stifling bourgeois life with his wife, Mathilde (Romane Bohringer), and their young child. Though Verlaine is already an established poet, he is quickly drawn to Rimbaud’s raw genius and anarchic personality.
Their relationship rapidly develops into a passionate and volatile affair. Rimbaud and Verlaine’s bond becomes as intense as it is destructive, with both poets spiraling into a life of debauchery, drug use, and violence. As their love deepens, so too does their inability to control their personal demons, leading to emotional and physical confrontations that have lasting consequences for both men.
The film does not shy away from depicting the toxic and obsessive nature of their relationship, as well as the suffering it inflicts on those around them, particularly Mathilde, who is caught in the crossfire of Verlaine’s infidelity and recklessness.
Leonardo DiCaprio’s Bold Performance as Rimbaud
One of the key highlights of Total Eclipse is Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal of Arthur Rimbaud. At the time, DiCaprio was transitioning from teen heartthrob roles to more serious and challenging parts, and Total Eclipse allowed him to showcase his range as an actor. His Rimbaud is wild, unpredictable, and defiant—a young man determined to live by his own rules, both in his art and his personal life.
DiCaprio fully commits to Rimbaud’s rebellious and abrasive character, capturing the poet’s blend of genius and arrogance. His portrayal of Rimbaud as a provocateur—someone who intentionally shocks and alienates those around him—is at times uncomfortable to watch but also deeply compelling. DiCaprio’s raw energy and charisma are undeniable, making Rimbaud’s destructive impact on Verlaine’s life both understandable and tragic.
David Thewlis as Paul Verlaine: A Tragic Counterbalance
David Thewlis delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Paul Verlaine, a man torn between his desire for artistic greatness and his need for personal stability. Verlaine is portrayed as a tragic figure, caught between the conventional life he leads with his wife and the wild, untethered existence he shares with Rimbaud.
Thewlis skillfully portrays Verlaine’s descent into madness and self-destruction as he becomes increasingly entangled in his relationship with Rimbaud. The film does an excellent job of showing how Verlaine is both enamored with Rimbaud’s talent and utterly consumed by his own feelings of inadequacy and jealousy. The tension between Thewlis and DiCaprio is electric, adding a layer of emotional depth to the story.
Themes: The Artist’s Struggle Against Convention
At its core, Total Eclipse is a meditation on the struggles of being an artist in a world that demands conformity. Rimbaud and Verlaine represent two sides of the same coin: one is the young, unbridled genius who rejects all forms of social and artistic convention, while the other is a more established poet struggling to reconcile his artistic ambitions with the constraints of a conventional life.
The film explores the dark side of creativity, illustrating how the pursuit of artistic freedom can often come at a great personal cost. For both Rimbaud and Verlaine, their art is inseparable from their personal turmoil, and their relationship becomes a battleground where creativity, love, and destruction collide.
Visual Style and Direction: A Gritty Portrait of 19th-Century Paris
Agnieszka Holland’s direction brings a gritty and raw aesthetic to Total Eclipse, immersing the audience in the decadent, decaying world of 19th-century Paris. The film’s production design and costumes are richly detailed, capturing both the beauty and the squalor of the time. The cinematography is often dark and moody, reflecting the internal struggles of its characters.
Holland’s decision to focus on the darker aspects of Rimbaud and Verlaine’s lives, rather than romanticizing their relationship, gives the film a sense of authenticity. The intensity of their bond is depicted with an unflinching realism, and the violence and cruelty that emerge between them are portrayed in stark, unsettling terms.
Critical Reception: A Polarizing Film
Total Eclipse received mixed reviews upon its release. While many praised the performances of DiCaprio and Thewlis, as well as the film’s bold exploration of controversial themes, others found the film’s depiction of Rimbaud and Verlaine’s relationship to be too abrasive and difficult to watch.
Roger Ebert gave the film 2 out of 4 stars, noting that while the performances were strong, the film’s focus on the darker, more destructive aspects of the poets’ lives made it a challenging viewing experience. Critics also debated whether the film captured the essence of Rimbaud’s poetic genius or whether it leaned too heavily into the sensationalism of his life.
Nevertheless, Total Eclipse has garnered a cult following over the years, with audiences drawn to its unflinching portrayal of two of history’s most rebellious literary figures.
Where to Watch Total Eclipse Online in the U.S.
For viewers in the U.S., Total Eclipse is available on a few streaming platforms, as well as for rental and purchase.
1. Streaming Services: Subscription-Based Platforms
- Hulu: Total Eclipse is available on Hulu as part of their standard streaming package. Subscribers can watch the film in HD with closed captions.
- HBO Max: Another option for streaming Total Eclipse is HBO Max, which offers the film as part of its library.
2. Rental Options: Pay-Per-View Platforms
If you prefer to rent the film, several platforms offer Total Eclipse in HD for a one-time fee:
- Amazon Prime Video: Rent Total Eclipse for $3.99 in HD. The film is available with English subtitles.
- Google Play Movies: Rent the film for $3.99 in HD, available on various devices.
- Apple TV: Rent for $3.99 and stream the film in HD on any Apple device.
3. Purchase Options: Buy and Own the Movie
For those who want to own a digital copy of Total Eclipse, it is available for purchase on the following platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video: Purchase the film for $9.99 and add it to your digital library.
- Google Play Movies: Available for purchase at $9.99, allowing you to stream it anytime.
- Apple TV: Purchase Total Eclipse for $9.99 in HD.
Conclusion: A Raw and Uncompromising Exploration of Artistic Genius
Total Eclipse is not an easy film to watch, but it is a bold and unflinching portrayal of two of the most influential poets of the 19th century. The film offers a dark, gritty look at the personal and artistic struggles of Arthur Rimbaud and Paul Verlaine, anchored by strong performances from Leonardo DiCaprio and David Thewlis.
If you’re interested in historical dramas that explore the intersection of art, passion, and self-destruction, Total Eclipse offers a unique and intense viewing experience. With multiple options for streaming, rental, and purchase, it’s never been easier to witness the volatile genius of Rimbaud and Verlaine on screen.
