Le Déjeuner sur l'herbe
1959 Comedy / Romance
|
Credits
|
|
|
Summary
Etienne Alexis, candidate for president of Europe, is a well-known biologist who believes
that artificial insemination and therapy for amorous desire will lead to a better society.
To celebrate his forthcoming marriage to a frigid German scout mistress, he hosts a picnic
in the countryside. Here, a shepherd playing a flute unleashes a sudden windstorm
which pushes Etienne into the arms of a country woman who is his greatest admirer...
Review
Although nearing the end of his film-making career, Renoir still managed to deliver this
charming satirical comedy. Whilst the film lacks the punch and intensity of the
great director’s earlier films, it provides an amusing tongue-in-cheek swipe at scientific
progress and re-affirms Renoir’s belief that there is no substitute for love, even in
the most modern of societies.
It was a timely film, made during an era when there was a widespread belief that science would fundamentally change society and solve all of mankind’s ills - hence it is perfectly credible that a scientist could end up as leader of a united Europe. The film is beautifully filmed, having the lustre of an impression’s painting (such as those painted by Renoir’s own celebrated father). It is rather appropriate that the film borrows the title of a famous painting by Manet. Both works celebrate the need for mankind, however civilised he becomes, to hold on to his primitive desires, hence to remain human. © James Travers 2001
|
|
