Leonardo DiCaprio,
David Thewlis,
Romane Bohringer,
Dominique Blanc,
Denise Chalem
... see more 
This historical drama, directed by Agnieszka Holland, focuses on the rocky relationship between the renowned 19th century French poets Arthur Rimbaud and Paul Verlaine. Rimbaud (Leonardo DiCaprio) is ... read more
DVD Release Date: December 21, 1999
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Stats: 358 reviews
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Flixster Reviews (358)
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October 14, 2010A young Leonardo...already an outstanding actor. He absolutely stole this film as his own even at such a young age. I love period dramas, and biographical dramas, so this movie was just perfect for me. Leo portrays a supposedly true-to-life strange and crazy poet in this movie. I... read more
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August 11, 2010David Thewlis is such a horrible actor that it destroyed this movie. This was a great performance for Leonardo DiCaprio and I feel his portrayal was the only interesting thing about the movie. Even with getting to see Leonardo naked a few times... I still cannot recommend the m... read more
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August 15, 2009I must've been pretty darn bored the day I decided to watch this, and must've been willing to watch just about any movie. It's based on a true story, which is usually a good thing, but I don't agree with the homo or bisexual lifestyle and that's what this is about....but there's ... read more
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January 29, 2011Opening credits go on way too long, there is some vacany in the story's execution and the film also slips to some other lows. Still, DiCaprio is, get this, phenomenal. I know, czazy isn't it? He is also hilarious comic relief, which really is shocking when you consider how seriou... read more
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November 13, 2011This story takes place in the 19th century where two French male poets, Verlaine and Rimbaud, start a taboo like love affair. Verlaine is recently married and Rimbaud is much younger and still single. They're both very passionate and talented, and the heated love affair betweeen ... read more
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September 17, 2009As far as my expectations go, this film meets them completely. That being said, it suffers from boundless problems that even I can't ignore. Directorially speaking, it's muddled and several of the scenes are painfully staged. However, as a depiction of a destructive relationship,... read more
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March 29, 2011The main characters were abusive and pathetic, and the story dragged on until it seemed pointless to me. A part of me wants to say that it must be good in a more unconventional way because it explored a flawed and doomed relationship instead of a happily-ever-after one, but the t... read more
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July 23, 2009Watching abusive unhealthy relationships makes me incredibly sad and uncomfortable. This movie was an all around downer. It did however, teach me what Absinthe was.
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July 13, 2008Marvelous performances by a very young and not yet famous Leonardo DiCaprio and David Thewlis. Bitter-sweet drama.
Critic Reviews
January 9, 2007
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
February 18, 2004
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Fascinating biopic marred by Di Caprio's performance.
July 31, 2003
Ed Gonzalez, Slant Magazine
Despite its fascinating subject matter, Total Eclipse is both unflattering and loveless. Full Review
October 11, 2002
John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews
a noble effort to capture Rimbaud's genius, but it fails to take enough risks to get close to the enigmatic poet. Full Review
February 13, 2001
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A disappointing biography about the homosexual relationship of two famous 19th century French poets. Full Review
January 1, 2000
Ed Gonzalez, Apollo Guide
The Rimbaud seen here is less a poet warrior than cloying brat. Full Review
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Total Eclipse
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