What Is Total Eclipse About?
The premise of Total Eclipse in 302 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the smoky cafés of 1870s Paris, a world of ink‑stained dreams and clinking glasses of absinthe pulses with restless energy. The city’s literary salons glow with the promise of revolution, yet beneath the glittering veneer lies a fragile balance between bourgeois expectations and the wild, untamed spirit of the bohemian crowd. Shadows of candlelight dance across walls plastered with verses, creating a backdrop where genius and excess entwine, and the yearning for artistic immortality hangs in the air like perfume.
Into this charged atmosphere steps Paul Verlaine, a poet whose reputation is already etched into the annals of French literature. He carries the weight of a respectable life—marriage, a home, and the comforting rhythm of middle‑class stability—yet his soul aches for something more intoxicating than polite society can offer. Across the room, Arthur Rimbaud appears, a fierce, youthful prodigy whose daring verses and reckless charm unsettle every convention. Their meetings crackle with magnetic tension, as each recognizes in the other a mirror of longing and rebellion, a chance to escape the confines that bind them.
The film introduces Isabelle, Rimbaud’s sister, whose presence hints at familial ties that could both ground and complicate the poets’ entwined fates. Through whispered conversations and lingering glances, a fragile alliance forms, promising to expose hidden desires and unanswered questions about art, love, and identity. The chemistry between the characters feels like a volatile alchemy, capable of igniting brilliance or unleashing chaos.
The tone remains lyrical yet brooding, a tapestry woven from the scent of stale tobacco, the bitter bite of absinthe, and the soft rustle of scribbled poems. With each encounter, the audience is drawn deeper into a world where creative passion burns bright against the dimming light of convention, leaving a lingering sense of anticipation for the inevitable storm that brews beneath the surface.
What Happens in Total Eclipse?
The complete story of Total Eclipse, from the first scene to the last, in 397 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
The older Paul Verlaine meets Arthur Rimbaud’s sister, Isabelle, in a quaint café located in Paris. Isabelle, along with her mother, requests Verlaine to surrender any remaining copies of Rimbaud’s poetry so they can be burned. This encounter prompts Verlaine to reminisce about his tumultuous relationship with Rimbaud, which began in 1871 when the young poet sent his works from his provincial home. Impulsively, Verlaine invited the teenage genius to his affluent father-in-law’s residence in Paris, where he lives with his young, pregnant wife. Rimbaud’s brazen disregard for decorum leaves Verlaine’s bourgeois family scandalized.
At 27, Verlaine finds himself captivated not only by the 16-year-old Rimbaud’s youthful physique but also by his unparalleled intellect. The confines of marriage and the oppressive nature of his middle-class life have stifled Verlaine’s inherently sybaritic literary creativity. Throughout their often tumultuous relationship, both poets inflict emotional pain upon each other, akin to how Verlaine ultimately neglects his young wife, whom he ultimately abandons. Their passionate liaison culminates in a shocking incident in Brussels, where a drunken Verlaine, consumed by rage, shoots Rimbaud, subsequently paying a heavy price with a fine and a two-year prison sentence for sodomy and grievous bodily harm.
In prison, a transformation occurs, as Verlaine embraces Christianity, much to Rimbaud’s dismay. Upon his release, Verlaine seeks out Rimbaud in Germany, foolishly hoping to rekindle their romance. Unfortunately, the two men part ways, never to reunite. Rimbaud, harboring bitterness towards literature, embarks on a solitary journey around the globe, eventually settling in Abyssinia (present-day Ethiopia) to manage a trading post, where he takes a mistress. However, a tumor on his right knee forces him back to France for amputation. Despite this, the cancer continues to spread, leading to his untimely demise at the age of 37. In his final moments, the imagery of one of his renowned poems, Le Dormeur du val, materializes.
During her dialogue with Verlaine, Isabelle Rimbaud asserts that her brother made his peace with a priest prior to his death, exhibiting Christian contrition, which is why only edited versions of his work should persist. Although Verlaine feigns agreement, he rips apart her card once she departs. Later, as he indulges in absinthe—his newfound addiction—Verlaine envisions the youthful Rimbaud. The film concludes with the young Rimbaud traversing a mountain range, as Verlaine reflects on their shared happiness, while Rimbaud asserts he has discovered eternity at last.
Total Eclipse Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Meeting Isabelle” to “Conclusion of Memories”. 8 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
Meeting Isabelle
Paul Verlaine encounters Isabelle Rimbaud, the sister of the poet Arthur Rimbaud, at a charming café in Paris. Isabelle, along with their mother, demands that Verlaine surrender the remaining copies of Rimbaud's poetry so they can be burned, bringing back memories of his complex relationship with Arthur.
Where:Paris
- 2
First Contact with Rimbaud
Verlaine reflects on how his tumultuous relationship with Arthur began in 1871 when the young poet sent his works from his home in the provinces. This impulsive act leads Verlaine to invite the talented 16-year-old poet to his affluent in-law's residence in Paris.
When:1871 Where:Paris
- 3
Rimbaud Moves In
Rimbaud arrives at Verlaine's home, shocking his middle-class family with his brazen behavior and disregard for social norms. The once-stable household of Verlaine begins to feel the strain of Rimbaud's wild spirit and intellect.
Where:Verlaine's residence
- 4
Verlaine's Captivation
At 27, Verlaine becomes increasingly captivated by Rimbaud not only for his physical allure but for his astounding poetic genius. This infatuation drives Verlaine deeper into a personal crisis, as he grapples with the constraints of his marriage and societal expectations.
- 5
Emotional Turmoil
The relationship between Verlaine and Rimbaud takes a toll on both their lives, leading to emotional disarray and infliction of pain. As Verlaine neglects his pregnant wife, the intensity of their connection becomes increasingly tumultuous and destructive.
- 6
The Shooting Incident
In a fit of drunken rage in Brussels, a frustrated Verlaine shoots Rimbaud, marking a tragic escalation in their volatile relationship. Following this shocking act, Verlaine faces severe repercussions, including a hefty fine and a two-year prison sentence.
Where:Brussels
- 7
Prison Transformation
During his imprisonment, Verlaine undergoes a profound spiritual transformation as he embraces Christianity. This newfound faith stands in stark contrast to Rimbaud's persona, deepening the rift between the two poets and altering Verlaine's worldview.
Where:Prison
- 8
Reunion Attempt
After serving his sentence, Verlaine travels to Germany in a misguided attempt to rekindle his romance with Rimbaud. However, their reunion does not bring the closure he seeks; the two men part ways, never to reunite, reflecting the irreversible change in their relationship.
Where:Germany
- 9
Rimbaud's Solitary Journey
Following their separation, Rimbaud embarks on an extensive journey around the world, ultimately settling in Abyssinia where he manages a trading post. There, he also takes a mistress, seeking solace far from the literary world that once defined him.
Where:Abyssinia (Ethiopia)
- 10
Health Decline
Rimbaud's health deteriorates when a tumor is discovered on his knee, compelling him to return to France for amputation. Despite this medical intervention, the cancer spreads, signaling the beginning of the end for the once-vibrant poet.
Where:France
Show the other 4 events of Total Eclipse Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Final Moments
In his final moments, Rimbaud reflects on his life's journey, with imagery from his poem *Le Dormeur du val* surfacing in his mind. He ultimately succumbs to illness at the age of 37, leaving behind a legacy marked by his intense creativity and tumultuous relationships.
When:Age 37
- 12
Isabelle's Assertion
During her meeting with Verlaine, Isabelle Rimbaud claims that her brother made peace with a priest before he passed away, exhibiting remorse. She insists that only edited versions of his work should continue to exist, a sentiment Verlaine feigns agreement with.
- 13
Verlaine's Despair
After Isabelle's departure, Verlaine, now addicted to absinthe, revels in nostalgia, envisioning the youthful Rimbaud. This act signifies his inability to escape the shadows of their shared past and the emotional turmoil that haunts him.
- 14
Conclusion of Memories
The film closes with Verlaine reminiscing about his blissful moments with Rimbaud. As he reflects, Rimbaud appears in the distance, traversing a mountain range, implying that he has found eternity, a stark contrast to Verlaine's present struggles.
Who Are the Main Characters in Total Eclipse?
3 characters, among them Paul Verlaine (David Thewlis), Arthur Rimbaud (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Isabelle Rimbaud (Romane Bohringer): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Paul Verlaine (David Thewlis)
Played by David Thewlis
Paul Verlaine is a complex character torn between his responsibilities and his desires. As a married man and a poet, he is captivated by the youthful genius of Rimbaud, leading him to neglect his own family. His emotional struggles and eventual downfall due to addiction exemplify the tensions between societal expectations and personal fulfillment.
- ✍️ Poet
- 🎨 Creative
- 😔 Tragic Figure
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Arthur Rimbaud (Leonardo DiCaprio)
Played by Leonardo DiCaprio
Arthur Rimbaud, a rebellious and brilliant young poet, represents raw talent and defiance. His carefree attitude and audacious personality challenge the conventions of Verlaine's world, igniting a passionate yet tumultuous relationship. Rimbaud's journey from an idealistic artist to a disillusioned figure symbolizes the struggle against societal norms and the pursuit of personal freedom.
- 🌟 Genius
- 🚫 Rebel
- 😢 Enigmatic
- IR
Isabelle Rimbaud (Romane Bohringer)
Played by Romane Bohringer
Isabelle Rimbaud is a pivotal character representing familial bonds and the repercussions of Peer's actions. Concerned for her brother's legacy, she confronts Verlaine about the impact of Rimbaud's life choices and his poetry. Her strong emotional presence sheds light on the familial love and complications that stem from the passionate turmoil between the two poets.
- 💔 Sister
- 🛡️ Protector
- 📜 Voice of Reason
Where and When Is Total Eclipse Set?
Total Eclipse is set in Paris, Belgium, Germany and Abyssinia (1871-1891). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1871-1891
Set in the late 19th century, the film reflects a period of intense literary and social change in Europe. This era is pivotal for the expression of emotions and the exploration of alternative lifestyles, particularly among artists and thinkers. It showcases the tensions between bourgeois respectability and the bohemian lifestyles that were emerging as radical critiques of society.
Where
Paris, Belgium, Germany, Abyssinia
The movie traverses several key locations, including the artistic and bustling streets of Paris, where Paul Verlaine and Arthur Rimbaud's relationship ignites. Belgium serves as the backdrop for a pivotal and violent moment in their tumultuous affair. Later, the story moves to Germany, where aspirations of rekindling romance darken with Rimbaud's solitary journey to Abyssinia, known for its rich history and diverse cultures.
- 🏙️ City
- 🌄 Landscape
- ✈️ Travel
What Are the Themes of Total Eclipse?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Passion, Conflict and Destiny.
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01
Passion
The film encapsulates the theme of passion as it explores the intense and often destructive relationship between Verlaine and Rimbaud. Their profound emotional connection is marked by both inspiration and suffering, mirroring the beauty and pain of their creative pursuits. The juxtaposition of love and jealousy drives the narrative, illustrating how passion can lead to both artistic triumph and personal tragedy.
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02
Conflict
Conflict permeates the relationship between Verlaine and Rimbaud, from societal expectations to personal betrayals. The film delves into the complexities of their bond, highlighting how external judgments and personal demons can spark conflict. Ultimately, these conflicts lead to tragic consequences and shape their identities as artists and individuals.
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03
Destiny
Destiny plays a crucial role in shaping the lives of both poets. Their meeting appears fateful, and yet their paths are fraught with tragedy and separation. The film invites viewers to ponder themes of fate and free will, examining how their choices lead to their eventual downfalls and the legacies they leave behind.
What Kind of Film Is Total Eclipse?
Melancholic in tone, with steady pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Melancholic
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Sad
A melancholy and intense biographical drama that charts the volatile, passionate, and ultimately destructive relationship between two poets, unfolding with a steady, tragic pace amidst a backdrop of bohemian excess and creative fervor.
- melancholic
- volatile
- bohemian
- destructive
- unrequited
- tumultuous
- artist's life
- obsessive relationship
- creative genius
- self-destruction
Content notes: gun violence, homophobic persecution, alcohol abuse, emotional abuse, sexual content.
Quiz
How well do you remember Total Eclipse? Test yourself on the story.
