Cultural Journeys with French Heritage Cinema
Humor, Culture, and Landscapes of Southern France
September 23rd, Wednesday
12:30 p.m.
Film
Jean de Florette
Introduction/ Discussion with Professor Ana Hnat
Jean de Florette is a 1986 French historical drama based on a novel by Marcel Pagnol, the French novelist, playwright, and filmmaker. The film is part of a wider trend from the 1980s of so-called ‘heritage cinema’ – period pieces and costume dramas that celebrate the history, culture and landscape of France. This story takes place in rural Provence (southern France) shortly after World War I when two greedy and devious local farmers scheme to trick a newcomer out of his newly inherited property. They are so incomprehensibly mean it’s comical. The story, scenery, and acting are superb. The movie stars three of France’s most prominent actors – Gérard Depardieu, Daniel Auteuil, and Yves Montand in one of his last roles. A wonderful performance, a jewel of a viewing experience. “Guy de Maupassant would have loved this!”
In French with English Subtitles. (121 minutes)
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