La Ronde

Shown: 24 February 2001
Introduced by Phill Walkley
Part of European Masterworks Day

France 1950 (subtitles)
95 minutes
Directed by Max Ophüls
Leading players - Anton Walbrook, Simone Signoret and Jean-Louis Barrault

Synopsis

Based upon the play by Arthur Schnitzler and set in 19th century Vienna, this film depicts a series of sexual encounters that forms the dance of love. The characters drift from scene to scene, changing partners as they go. The Narrator (Anton Walbrook) conducts us through this bittersweet tale, commenting, explaining and even intervening, when necessary.

Light, sophisticated and charming, the film is one of Ophüls' greatest. The dizzying camerawork brilliantly reflects the circular nature of the tale, as do recurring shots of wheels and merry-go-rounds. Even the music, a waltz, whirls the viewer round in circles.