Marjane Satrapi with “Radioactive” paints a portrait of a woman of character, passionate, determined… and decidedly feminist.
For Marie Curie is first and foremost characterized by the fire of her temperament and character. By her proud and independent spirit, wholly devoted to science and her research. This relationship further highlights the contradictions of her character, this singular and extraordinary mind.
The film shows how the Polish physicist and chemist fought to establish herself in a man’s world, before meeting Pierre—her future husband—and after his death, when she had to continue her career alone. It recounts that in addition to the machismo of her colleagues, she faced xenophobia and disgrace when she had an affair with another scientist… five years after her husband’s death.
An arrogant and ambitious fire animates Marie, portrayed as in total rupture with her environment, with the constrictive society that weighs on her, but also in perfect harmony with her partner, seeking emancipation.
This nuanced biopic is interspersed with illuminating explanations of radioactivity. And sequences that show, across various eras, how Marie Curie’s work has saved millions of lives.
Radioactive is all of this: convincing, abundant, interesting, a poignant portrait of its leading figure. And Rosamunde Pike contributes with a dazzling performance.
