Die Marquise von O… (1976)

Die Marquise von O…: Directed by Éric Rohmer. With Edith Clever, Bruno Ganz, Edda Seippel, Peter Lühr. A German Marquise has to deal with a pregnancy she cannot explain and an infatuated Russian Count.

“Not one of Rohmeru0026#39;s best, especially from a writing standpoint. It seems to me that he wasnu0026#39;t particularly interested in this project, or at least he is unable to make the story as interesting as I find most of his other films. However, several points elevate this film far beyond what it could have been. First thing, the cinematography, by Néstor Almendros, is stunning. Rohmer pays particular attention to the composition, something which he isnu0026#39;t generally known for. I think it hurts the film, but one thing canu0026#39;t be denied: it looks as painterly as possible. Also, the performances are generally great. Bruno Ganz kind of disappointed me, but thatu0026#39;s mainly because I consider him one of the greatest actors. His performance here is good, but not at the level of the other films in which Iu0026#39;ve seen him. On the other hand, the star of the film, Edith Clever, is amazing as the titular character. She becomes pregnant even though she has not had relations with a man since her husband died a couple of years earlier. She must face the prejudices of the time (a good story of a woman up against society, though itu0026#39;s been done better before). The Marquiseu0026#39;s parents are played by Peter Lühr and Edda Seippel, and they both give excellent performances as well. All in all, a beautiful experience, if not the most exciting.”