A quick follow up on my Eric Rohmer Project. I know it's been ages since my last article about one of his films, but I think I needed time to absorb the content of this strange, disturbing but really clever one. Produced and released in 1986, The Green Rayl Summer is part of the series "Comedies & Proverbs", and the last one - not in a chronological way though - I needed to see to finish it. The film stars Marie Rivière - also acting in The Aviator's Wife - and is named on the novel of the same name written by Jules Verne. The proverb/ line chosen for this film is : "Ah, for the days/ that set our hearts ablaze".
The story is about Delphine - M. Rivière - summer vacations. After a friend turns their plans down, Delphine keeps looking for something to do during summertime. Depressed and self-pitied, she wonders around in Paris and cries a lot. Her other friends tell her to go away, to meet new people and to find a man, but Delphine is completely blocked and seems to enjoy feeling sorry about herself - she doesn't make any effort -. In the end, she visits several locations, but can never find what she desires, meaning happiness and true love. But in Biarritz, she meets a young man travelling to Saint-Jean-de-Luz. She decides to go with him. Eventually, they fall in love in front of the warm glow of sunset; and also in front of "le rayon vert" (the Green flash).
One of the funny things about this film is the color of Delphine's clothes: Rohmer chose to make her wear red all the time, a vivid, happy color - the color of love also -. Compared to other film, the music in this one is also very important. Rohmer's films aren't known for their original soundtrack, but this film has one, and a theme coming back, again and again.
At first, I felt uncomfortable and bored. The dialogues were numerous and seemed improvised - they weren't in reality - . Delphine was keeping on talking compulsively and seemed anxious all the time. It was even unbearable by moments - the whole scene about the fact that she doesn't eat meat is a torture. But I held on to it, and watched it until the end. I took some time to think about it afterwards, and even if it's not Rohmer's most attractive film, it is still powerful, and the emotions and sensations that emanate from it are strong and beautiful, especially during the last scene. The tension grows when Delphine is waiting for the Rayon Vert - I won't try to explain what it is scientifically, but when the sun goes down, at some point, when it is on the horizon line and when the atmosphere is clear, there is a second during which its light turns into a green flash - . Next time I go to the sea, I'll try to catch it too.
MJ.
