The Self Portrait

Jan 17 2020 N/A 1h 20m
Documentary

The documentary is a portrait of an artist and a portrait of a deadly disease. Lene Marie Fossen was a gifted photographer who suffered from severe anorexia. Self Portrait is a film about the power of art and survival, but it also raises important questions about what treatment one who suffers from severe anorexia needs.

Plot

The Self Portrait is a film about choice - choosing life. This is a choice no one can make for you, you will have to make it yourself. The Norwegian artist Lene Marie Fossen (32) is an up and coming, unique talent in the world of photography, facing an international breakthrough. Critics claim she is among the best still photographers in our present time. At the same time she appears to be dying from anorexia. Lene Marie stopped eating when she was ten years old. She didn't want to grow up. Over time the disease has gained control over her body and poisoned her thoughts. The main conflict of the film is the one within Lene Maries's mind, always waging war on itself. Galleries in several countries want to exhibit her art. Lene Maries biggest goal is to have a solo exhibition. Will she be able to travel the world? Can she rid herself of shame by exposing it? The use of Lene Marie's self portraits in this film will offer a unique perspective on the complexity of this illness. The anxiety. Death just a breath away. Raw, naked, honest. Lene Marie has come to a turning point. She has realized that she needs help to control her disease. If not, she will die. Her sensitivity made her ill, but will that also be what saves her?

Written by

Katja Høgset, Margreth Olin, Espen Wallin

Directed by

Katja Høgset, Margreth Olin, Espen Wallin

Production Countries

Norway

Production Companies

Speranza Film

Languages

English, Norsk

Awards

7 wins & 9 nominations

Scores
# of Votes
368
Average Rating
7.8 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA