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Eric Rohmer's Six Moral Tales
R1 - America - Criterion Collection Review written by and copyright: Noor Razzak (5th October 2006). |
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The Film
 French filmmaker Eric Rohmer is among and also the last of the post-war new wave group of filmmakers that includes Jean-Luc Godard, François Truffaut and Louis Malle et al who over the course of several years redefined cinema in that era. Like many of the new wave radicals their influences came from American cinema however Rohmer took a very different approach and focused his lens on characters living in socially turbulent times instead of lacing his films with stylish tricks. His "Moral Tales" are a prime example of this, The 60's were a time of sexual awakening and he explored how one's moral code stood up against this backdrop. Rohmer was the last to make an impression on French cinema, while his colleagues were collecting awards around the world he was working as an editor of the popular publication 'Cahiers du cinéma', his first few films also failed to garner attention. His 6-film cycle would become his masterpiece collection, these "Moral Tales" all followed the same basic structure, which is was inspired by F.W. Murnau's silent epic "Sunrise" (1927) where a married man is tempted by a beautiful woman whom he ultimately resists. These films were filmed out of order, in fact Rohmer confesses that they are not meant to be in any specific order, however the third in the series (but fourth to be filmed) was 1969's "My Night At Maud's" which was his breakout hit. Unlike the other films in the series the protagonist Jean-Louis (Jean-Louis Trintignant) doesn't actually have sex with the 'other' woman, Maud (Françoise Fabian) but instead they spend the night talking about it. What ensues is a fascinating window into these people's lives. It's also evident in all his films that Rohmer concentrates on intelligent and often articulate yet flawed characters that do the opposite of what they say (or vice versa) that provides a lot of the drama in these films. Sometimes existential, sometimes projecting a view or statement of one's moralistic stand point but almost always interesting to watch. However not each is created equal in this collection, in fact my first introduction to Rohmer via the first film in the cycle "The Bakery Girl Of Monceau" left me with a rather bitter taste in my mouth, considering the unnamed main character (Barbet Schroeder) comes across as a pompous git who appears to be in his own mind the ultimate ladies' man. Of course the series continually matured and I found myself liking many of the characters and situations. I did feel that although these films aren't very long they often felt like the longest movies ever made. Rohmer, like some other new wave filmmakers concentrate on long shots and slow build scenes. While many of them delivered a satisfying payoff I was at times bored. The "Moral Tales" collects some of French new waves finest films from it's last entrant and is presented in lavish effect by The Criterion Collection. I'm sure fans of Rohmer or new wave will enjoy these films, film buffs and students will also likely find some comfort in this collection, otherwise these films should be avoided by anyone with a short attention span.
Video
Each film is presented in the filmmaker's preferred ratio of 1.33:1, these full screen transfer presents these films in the best possible condition. "The Bakery Girl Of Monceau", "Suzanne's Career" and "My Night At Maud's" are black and white transfers, the images are occasionally soft but overall it's a solid effort, contrast between black and white is perfectly balanced. These prints do exhibit film grain and other minor traces of dirt however 99% of the image is clean of imperfections. The other films, "La Collectionneuse", "Claire's Knee" and "Love In The Afternoon" are in color, some of these colors seem faded and not as lush as one would expect, considering these are all supervised by the filmmaker it would be his intent to have them so. Overall sharpness is evident in these prints, blacks are bold and no dirt and damage can be seen, as with the black and white prints film grain is evident but this is not considered a distraction.
Audio
The Criterion Collection presents these film in their original French Dolby Digital 1.0 Mono soundtracks. Each of these films are either dialogue or narration heavy and therefore do not require 5.1 or even 2.0 mixes. The soundtracks are clean and distortion free. Which is about all one could ask for. Optional subtitles are included in English only. The subtitles are 16x9 friendly and are a nice size on-screen. The subtitles are easy to read and feature no grammatical or spelling errors and appear on-screen for long enough to read without having to stop and rewind.
Extras
DISC ONE "The Bakery Girl Of Monceau" First up on this disc is the 1951 short film "Presentation, or Charlotte and her Steak" which runs for 9 minutes 51 seconds. This slice of life short, features two would be lovers tip-toeing around their relationship as Charlotte cooks her steak. It's an early peek into Rohmer's career that establishes his brand of dialogue and naturalistic performances. Next is the comprehensive "Moral Tales: Filmic Issues" an interview with Eric Rohmer conducted by filmmaker Barbet Schroeder which runs for 1 hour 23 minutes 49 seconds. Rohmer discusses in detail the Moral Tales and what he was trying to achieve, the themes and issues he was interested in exploring. He talks candidly about the difficulty in financing the films, shooting them out of sequence as well as commenting on recurring elements in his films such as the off screen commentary, the importance of using natural sound, working with the actors as well as sharing fond memories. He also touches on his use of "ambient" music among other topics. This is a fantastic interview that covers everything you needed to know about Rohmer and more. This is an ideal supplement for fans of the filmmakers to explore as well as provides an well rounded introducing to those new to the filmmaker's work. DISC TWO "Suzanne's Career" The only extra on this disc is "Nadja in Paris" a 1964 short film which runs for 13 minutes 10 seconds. Nadja is an American-Yugoslav student in Paris, this film is like a diary entry of her day as she narrates the action, we see her at University and later in Paris enjoying the art and markets. Similar themes can be seen in this short, especially the off screen commentary of the main character. DISC THREE "My Night At Maud's" This disc included "On Pascal" a 1965 educational film that runs for 21 minutes 59 seconds, Rohmer's films rely on Pascal's theory of chance, therefor it's not a stretch to believe the filmmaker made an educational film about the Mathematician. In this film a discussion is entered into about Pascal with a scholar and a priest. Following that is a 1974 Telecinema episode that features interviews with actor Jean-Louis Trintignant, film critic Jean Douchet and producer Pierre Cottrell which runs for 13 minutes 38 seconds. The three participants discuss the film from their experiences, casting, how the actors were directed in order to attain a nuanced performance as well as how the dialogue was scripted. Occasionally they touch on the themes of the Moral Tales and how they relate to each film, the process in making a film free of commercial influence is also touched on. Also included in the film's original French theatrical trailer which runs for 2 minutes 45 seconds. DISC FOUR "La Collectionneuse" "A Modern Coed" a 1966 short film is the first thing you'll see on this disc, and it runs for 12 minutes 48 seconds. This film plays out like a documentary about the increasing enrollment of women in universities and their desire for higher education. It also looks at the growth of University campuses, the life of a coed, as well as a new campus in the country. Again the film features an off screen commentary (character narration) that moves the narrative along, although it's a short film it feels like a commercial for a Paris University and the progress they've made to accommodate for the future. Following that is a 1977 episode of TV Ontario's "Parlons Cinema" which features an interview with Rohmer that runs for 50 minutes 38 seconds on his film "La Collectionneuse" in which he discusses the adaptation process from his book to film, how the Moral Tales are connected, written and performed most especially how the characters talk and interact, which is an important element in Rohmer's style of storytelling. He also shares his views on mainstream films of the 1950's, how financing was achieved for his films and his collaboration with different filmmakers and producers. He also comments on on the differences between American films and French films in this open and interesting clip. Also included in the film's original French theatrical trailer which runs for 2 minutes 15 seconds. DISC FIVE "Claire's Knee" "The Curve" is a 1999 short film made in collaboration with actress Edwige Shaki which runs for 16 minutes 45 seconds. In this film a woman is an object of art. When Roman meets his uncle he discusses his art thesis and spots a beautiful sculpture, his uncle tells him of the woman who inspired it. Later Roman meets a young woman who he believe is the inspiration for the sculpture who he sees as an object of art. "La Journal Du Cinema" follows and is an excerpt from the 1970 French TV episode that features interviews with cast members Jean-Claude Brialy, Beatrice Romand and Laurence de Monaghan which runs for 8 minutes 43 seconds. The actors talk about working with Rohmer as well as his unique casting style. They speak of the director as a friend and share their interactions with the audience and shed a human light on a filmmaker who at the time never granted any press interviews, making him an illusive and intriguing figure in New Wave Cinema. Also included in the film's original French theatrical trailer which runs for 2 minutes 40 seconds. DISC SIX "Love In The Afternoon" Included on this disc is "Veronique and her Dunce" a 1958 short film that runs for 18 minutes 22 seconds, in this black and white film, Veronique, a tutor, is making sure young boy Jean-Christophe gets his homework done. The boy proves difficult and doesn't seem to understand his studies, although he says he does. When he challenges her method, to her surprise causes some frustration. This is a cheeky look at children's understanding of schoolwork. Following that is an afterward by Neil LaBute an interview that runs for 11 minutes 50 seconds. He discusses Rohmer's influence on himself as well as the industry. He comments on on his honesty as a filmmaker and his consistent vision that flows through his body of work. One element about Rohmer that impresses LaBute is that he understands his characters and allows them to make mistakes, he is also a master at justifying his character's actions. LaBute lays it down in this informal chat and opens the doors to film fans that haven't previously seen Rohmer's films. Rounding out the extras on this disc is the film's original French theatrical trailer which runs for 4 minutes 4 seconds.
Packaging
Each disc is packaged in a single digi-pack that is housed in a deluxe cardboard slip-box with the two books. ALSO INCLUDED IN THE BOX SET: A 262-page softcover book that features the original written moral tales by Rohmer. Plus a 56-page booklet featuring the following essays on these films: - "Eric Rohmer and His Six Moral Tales" an introduction by Geoff Andrew. - "Blueprints For A Brilliant Oevure" by Ginette Vinandeau on "The Bakery Girl Of Monceau" and "Suzanne's Career" - "Chances Are..." by Kent Jones on "My Night At Maud's" - "Making Time" by Phillip Lopate and "On La Collectionneuse" by Néstor Almendros on "La Collectionneuse" - "Rohmer's Women" by Molly Haskell on "Claire's Knee" - "Marriage, Rohmer Style" by Armond White on "Love In The Afternoon" - "For A Talking Cinema" Rohmer on himself Also included in this booklet are cast and crew credits, as well as a special thanks section and acknowledgements.
Overall
The Criterion Collection has created a wonderful box set with quality extras that take audiences behind the films. For Rohmer fans this is a must buy collection, otherwise I'd take caution before blind buying this set as these films are not for everyone's tastes. "The Bakery Girl Of Monceau" - C+ "Suzanne's Career" - B- "My Night At Maud's" - A "La Collectionneuse" - B+ "Claire's Knee" - B+/A- "Love In The Afternoon" B-
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