NR | 2h 4m | Biography, Drama, Romance | 1943
Garson was MGM’s leading actress during the 1940s and played the titular role in the film, a loosely fact-based biopic of the famous Polish (and later naturalized French) physicist.
“Madame Curie” couldn’t have been produced at a more perfect time, as Hollywood’s Golden Age thrived on bold storytelling, where even the most unlikely real-life events were transformed into engaging films. During this esteemed era of cinema, no story seemed too obscure or uninteresting for a film adaptation. This biopic exemplifies this, turning Marie Curie’s discovery of radium into a film that resonated with both audiences and critics alike, and further established Greer Garson as a leading actress.
Humble Beginnings
Marie Sklodowska (Garson) is a destitute Polish immigrant pursuing mathematics and physics at the Sorbonne in Paris during the 1890s. Brilliant, she becomes so absorbed in her studies that she neglects her basic needs, even fainting from hunger during a lecture. Fortunately, one of her professors, Jean Perot (Albert Bassermann), learns about her challenging finances and invites her to a social gathering hosted by him and his wife.At the event, Marie meets Pierre Curie (Pidgeon), a highly intelligent yet socially awkward physicist who shares her aversion to large crowds. With some clever social maneuvering, Professor Perot arranges for Marie to continue her studies in Pierre’s lab. However, Pierre expresses skepticism about women in scientific environments, telling his assistant David Le Gros (Robert Walker) that they are distracting.
When Marie arrives at the lab, David quickly becomes infatuated with her, distracted to the point of neglecting his own work. Meanwhile, Pierre confines Marie to a corner of the lab and insists on complete silence, believing it essential for their research.
A Bright Opening and Engaging Journey
The film opens with a surprisingly lighthearted tone, blending the trappings of a classic romantic comedy with the story of the groundbreaking scientist. MGM imbues the film with a touch of sentimental charm that somehow works, thanks to the chemistry between its two leads.
Their relationship is both sweet and awkward, with Pierre humorously likening it to sodium chloride, hinting at their connection despite their romantic ineptitude. You can sense a deep affection in their interactions, as they navigate their shared challenges and ambitions.
However, the film’s eclectic charm begins to fade slightly as it transitions into more traditional biopic territory. Yet, under Mervyn LeRoy’s skilled direction, the often tedious nature of scientific research is transformed into an engaging adventure. LeRoy effectively utilizes montages of lab experiments, showing the intrepid researchers as they tinker with beakers and various scientific devices, making the intricate details of rigorous scientific study accessible to audiences.
Garson delivers an engaging performance, conveying her character’s inner struggles through subtle expressions and body language. Pidgeon shines as well, with his tall, lanky frame and charming earnestness perfectly embodying Pierre, who becomes Marie’s steadfast supporter throughout their journey.
Although both Garson and Pidgeon earned Oscar nominations for their performances, the film raises significant questions about what it omits. In scenes depicting the Curies working with hazardous materials during their groundbreaking experiments, I found it concerning that the inherent dangers were largely overlooked at the time. The film also pays little attention to the couple’s two children, prompting the question of who was caring for them while their parents immersed themselves in the world of radioactivity and scientific exploration.
Despite these shortcomings, Madame Curie remains an engaging blend of romantic comedy and biopic, effectively capturing the essence of a remarkable partnership while glossing over certain realities of the Curies’ life and work.
