THE RULES OF THE GAME (Criterion/eOne, 1939) D: Jean Renoir, w/ Marcel Dalio, Nora Gregor. Rating: NNNNN Blu-ray package: NNNNN Rating: NNNNN
There isn’t anything new in this Blu-ray edition of The Rules Of The Game, but Jean Renoir’s film is an acknowledged classic, an immense influence on the French New Wave and on everybody from Robert Altman to Woody Allen. More importantly, it’s a treat to watch and re-watch.
Gathered together in a country house are the Marquis, his chic mistress, his naively romantic wife, her ardent lover and a helpful friend. Among the servants, the Marquesa’s maid is married to the gamekeeper but has her eye on a poacher-turned-servant who gets helped along by the Marquis. No one has anything on their mind but sex and/or love.
Renoir’s moving camera, long takes, deep focus and attention to background give us a sense that we’re discovering the people and story as we go along. The director plus various critics and filmmakers provide lots of insight in the extensive extras package.
EXTRAS Commentary, two Renoir interviews, cast and crew interviews, selected scene analysis, alternate ending comparison, essay booklet, more. Black-and-white. French audio. English subtitles.
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