DELPHINE: I'm not normal, like you. I make an effort to try to listen, to talk to people. I watch what's going on. If people don't come to me it's because I'm worthless and... if I had something to show, people would see it, that's all.
Hello everyone! Summer has been quite busy for me with travelling (which is something I haven't done in 1.5 years!) and constantly packing stuff, so I couldn't find time to update the blog. I'm really back this time though, and for this post, I chose a beautiful summer classic called Le Rayon Vert! This is my first Eric Rohmer film and it definitely won't be the last as I loved his style. Let's give a little background about the film and explore its characters. Thanks for being here and I hope you enjoy reading the post!
Le Rayon Vert is Eric Rohmer's fifth movie of his series called Comedies et Proverbes. The series consists of six movies and each movie starts with a quotation: "Ah, for the days/ that set our hearts ablaze." (Arthur Rimbaud / 'Song of the Highest Tower' 1872). The quote sets the mood of the movie and helps us to dive into the character's world easily.
Le Rayon Vert is about Delphine, our protagonist who feels lost and lonely as she has no one to go on a vacation with. Even though themes like loneliness and despair are well established in cinema, Rohmer's film speaks to his audience in such a way that it feels fresh and even familiar.
In the making of this film, the lead actress Marie Riviere had to improvise so many parts that she received a co-writer credit for the film. However, we don't realise the improvised parts of the movie as they capture Delphine's emotional state brilliantly. As such, Riviere said in one of her
interviews that all the dialogue came from her, but only within the broad of what Rohmer wanted her to say. This technique reminded me of Kiarostami's Taste of Cherry (
quick link to my post!), where he also didn't use a script and even decided to cast non-actors! Taking movies to this level of naturalism brings a whole new perspective to cinema and arguably enhances the audience's experience.
Let's talk more about Delphine, our protagonist whose distress is found to be relatable by many viewers. As Delphine wanders around the beautiful beaches, mountains and forests of France, she searches for a real connection with someone. Throughout the film, she tries to meet new people only to find them different and intimidating. When asked, she can't describe her feelings because they can't be put down to words, something that is understandable if you've gone through the same emotional state.
The film goes on in a cycle like this until Delphine finds someone special and understands her feelings as she finds
le rayon vert. The final shot of the film is one of the best ones I've ever seen. Be it with
La Haine,
Les Quatre Cents Coups or even with
Raw, I've come to realize that French directors love to leave their audience dazzled with their final shot!
 |
| I definitely didn't spoil the ending. |
Reaching the end of this post, I'm giving this movie a big 9 out of 10! The film was gentle yet alluring, and even if you can't relate to Delphine's feelings, you can just enjoy the beautiful scenery Rohmer presents in his film.
Before I finish the post, I'd like to invite you to visit my Instagram, Twitter and Tumblr, all with the same nickname moviesatdawn. You can also comment your thoughts down below or send your suggestions to: moviesatdawn@gmail.com! Thanks for reading and I'll see you much earlier than a week!
Comments
Post a Comment