What an illustrative and thought provoking film review! I’ve never personally been a big fan of European movies (I’ve also always thought the French treated relationships - and life by extension - too frivolously, and I still have yet to laugh at a British joke) but I’ve recently started to reconsider that view. Perhaps age and maturity is making me realize there is just as much entertainment, and indeed, value, in watching someone confront and overcome their inner demons compared to a real life one. Certainly it’s more relatable to the lay viewer and what is film but a reflection of our own lives and priorities?
Rohmer’s films sound like a great study on human relationships and faith. I found the movie stills you featured in your article almost hypnotizing in their simplicity, bucolic setting and hazy color schemes. They remind me of Wes Anderson films: ensemble casts with complex inter-relationships, themes of loss and self discovery….though perhaps with slightly less eccentricity. What a treat to add to my ever growing watch list. Thank you for the suggestion - and beautiful review.
"and I still have yet to laugh at a British joke" haven't colonized your mind yet, huh? (rip, when a Brit finds this we are about to be so cancelled)
I think it really depends on what mood you're in—sometimes when I'm too tired to care about heavy plotting and can't stand the sounds of explosions and so on, these sorts of slow movies about daily life do just the trick! I especially love watching Rohmer in the summer!
I think Wes Anderson must have been inspired by the French New Wave! you should definitely check out more of Rohmer's movies—I recommend The Green Ray, it's a great summer movie.
I started reading this piece and I could not stop reading. Your maturity in analyzing Rohmer’s characters and his work for “Rohmer never passes judgement on his characters, never condemns them for their actions or follies, yet nevertheless the moral center holds” is admirable. Your writing is artistic, witty, profound, analytical yet not didactic.
On reflecting Rohmer’s films, I often find the characters engaging in lengthy discussion on mundane issues which I find boring. I do agree that his films are often on beaches, sunny and pleasant. I like the way you said, “visual pleasure is also a tangible pleasure”.
I love your conclusion – “This is the world we live in, and we must have faith in it”. Thank you for this.
What an illustrative and thought provoking film review! I’ve never personally been a big fan of European movies (I’ve also always thought the French treated relationships - and life by extension - too frivolously, and I still have yet to laugh at a British joke) but I’ve recently started to reconsider that view. Perhaps age and maturity is making me realize there is just as much entertainment, and indeed, value, in watching someone confront and overcome their inner demons compared to a real life one. Certainly it’s more relatable to the lay viewer and what is film but a reflection of our own lives and priorities?
Rohmer’s films sound like a great study on human relationships and faith. I found the movie stills you featured in your article almost hypnotizing in their simplicity, bucolic setting and hazy color schemes. They remind me of Wes Anderson films: ensemble casts with complex inter-relationships, themes of loss and self discovery….though perhaps with slightly less eccentricity. What a treat to add to my ever growing watch list. Thank you for the suggestion - and beautiful review.
"and I still have yet to laugh at a British joke" haven't colonized your mind yet, huh? (rip, when a Brit finds this we are about to be so cancelled)
I think it really depends on what mood you're in—sometimes when I'm too tired to care about heavy plotting and can't stand the sounds of explosions and so on, these sorts of slow movies about daily life do just the trick! I especially love watching Rohmer in the summer!
I think Wes Anderson must have been inspired by the French New Wave! you should definitely check out more of Rohmer's movies—I recommend The Green Ray, it's a great summer movie.
The quality of your writing is absolutely outstanding. Love to read your piece.
Hi Ramya,
I started reading this piece and I could not stop reading. Your maturity in analyzing Rohmer’s characters and his work for “Rohmer never passes judgement on his characters, never condemns them for their actions or follies, yet nevertheless the moral center holds” is admirable. Your writing is artistic, witty, profound, analytical yet not didactic.
On reflecting Rohmer’s films, I often find the characters engaging in lengthy discussion on mundane issues which I find boring. I do agree that his films are often on beaches, sunny and pleasant. I like the way you said, “visual pleasure is also a tangible pleasure”.
I love your conclusion – “This is the world we live in, and we must have faith in it”. Thank you for this.
Boo
Thank you so much for all your kind words, they are so very encouraging! 😊