Maybe I'm an idiot. This is one of those movies that is always at the very, very top of "Greatest Movie's of All Time" lists. It's been number two or three in the Sight and Sound Poll since in 1962. And it to me, it seemed like an average comedy-drama, well made but nowhere deserving it's repuation. It's not even Jean Renior's best film (that would be The Great Illusion).
To me, it was a pretty average comedy-drama. Somewhat Allanesq (but not as funny) it's about romantic conflict among the French upperclasses, as well some intrique regarding there servents. The main plot revolves aviator Andre Jurieru (Roland Toutain) who is madly in love with Christine (Nora Gregor) who is happily married to Robert (Marcel Dalio), who is unfortantley not happily married back. All confide in friend Octave (Renior himself).
Maybe I need to see the film again (I had perviously seen half of it in my film theories class junior year), but I really don't see what the big deal is. I acknowlege the film is reletivley clever, but it's not that endearing, or partiuclarly deep. Allmovie says that it's supposed to be a metaphor for the ending of a certain way of life in Europe at the eve of World War II, but I didn't get that. I didn't care that much about any of the characters, although the movie is very well acted. The midsection of the film is really dull.
I suppose that everyone reading this should see this just beacause it's so well respected, but I honestly do not understand why this movie is held in such high regard. I wonder if perhaps this is an example of an emperor without clothes- maybe a few people liked it when it was revived in the 50's (it was badly reviewed when it was first realesed and almost destroyed by Germans in WWII) and no one wanted to look stupid by saying it wasn't amazing. If you are looking for a great Renior film, see The Great Illusion. Or maybe I'm just missing something and wrong. But I don't think so.
The Rules of the Game (1939)