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Poster for Surviving Picasso

Surviving Picasso

Seen it?

1996 | 125 min | Drama, Romance

Weeknight Watchearly rating

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

With middling reviews (32% on Rotten Tomatoes) and little lasting buzz, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Great for anyone interested in what war does to people and anyone who likes knowing it really happened. It puts you in the middle of the fighting, and doesn't let you forget the cost. Fans of Dangerous Liaisons or The Dreamers should feel right at home. Based on real events, so expect to go down a research rabbit hole afterwards.
The mood
Warm and romantic.
The pace
Lets scenes breathe, at 2 hr 5 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • Not the one if you want explosions or easy laughs.

The passionate Merchant-Ivory drama tells the story of Francoise Gilot, the only lover of Pablo Picasso who was strong enough to withstand his ferocious cruelty and move on with her life.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsBelow par

    32% on Rotten Tomatoes, 55 on Metacritic

  • AudiencesSolid

    Our audience score: 52%

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Box office & staying powerSolid

    $17 million worldwide on a $16 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 38K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by James Ivory

  • Anthony HopkinsPablo Picasso
  • Natascha McElhoneFrançoise Gilot
  • Julianne MooreDora Maar
  • Joss AcklandHenri Matisse
  • Joan PlowrightFrançoise's Grandmother
  • Dennis BoutsikarisKootz
  • Peter EyreSabartes
  • Peter GeretyMarcel
  • Susannah HarkerMarie-Therese
  • Jane LapotaireOlga Picasso