French-Jewish Actress Sarah Bernhardt’s Life Explored in New Israeli Film

Sarah Bernhardt, a 19th-century French actress of Jewish descent, remains one of the most celebrated and controversial figures in theatrical history. Known by titles such as "The Divine," "The Empress of Theater," and "The First International Star," Bernhardt was praised by literary giants like Victor Hugo, Oscar Wilde, and Jean Cocteau for her charisma, intelligence, and transformative acting. Despite her fame, she faced criticism from playwrights like George Bernard Shaw and Anton Chekhov, who questioned her theatrical style and motivations.

Bernhardt was a pioneer in celebrity culture, skillfully using publicity stunts, including posing in a coffin to sell tickets, to maintain her public image. She was the first actress to perform on five continents and was known for her dramatic personal life, including numerous romantic affairs with influential men and women, a brief marriage to Aristide Damala, and a rumored relationship with Edward, Prince of Wales. She also famously played male roles such as Hamlet.

The new film "Sarah Bernhardt, The Divine," now screening in Israel, focuses on two pivotal moments in her life: her 50th birthday celebrations in the late 19th century and the amputation of her leg in 1915 due to infection. Directed by Guillaume Nicloux and starring Jewish actress-director Sandrine Kiberlain, the film avoids a traditional biography, instead highlighting Bernhardt’s resilience and complex personality. Kiberlain immersed herself in Bernhardt’s life, portraying her as a fearless, free-spirited woman who fought for artistic and personal freedom.

Bernhardt’s Jewish heritage and activism are also addressed in the film, particularly her support for Captain Alfred Dreyfus during the infamous Dreyfus Affair, which divided French society and exposed deep-rooted antisemitism. Her advocacy led to public backlash and family tensions. The actress’s legacy endured despite Nazi attempts to erase her name during World War II; the Paris theater she founded was renamed but restored to its original name in 1947.

Bernhardt’s impact extends beyond theater, inspiring artists like Marcel Proust and Andy Warhol, and her story continues to captivate audiences worldwide. Her life of artistic genius, scandal, and activism is now accessible to Israeli audiences through this cinematic tribute.