If you’re a fan of what is referred to as the French New Wave, then you’re likely familiar with the works of Éric Rohmer. Breaking out in the late-‘60s with his Academy Award-nominated feature, “My Night at Maud’s,” Rohmer went on to become one of the most influential filmmakers in French cinema. And now, Film Forum and Janus Films are working with Films du Losange to provide fans a chance to look at new restorations of his iconic “Tales of the Four Seasons” film series.
Beginning with 1990’s “A Tale of Springtime,” Rohmer created a series of comedy films over the course of the decade that would go on to become some of his most acclaimed works. The ‘Seasons’ series continued with 1992’s “A Tale of Winter,” 1996’s “A Tale of Summer,” and 1998’s “A Tale of Autumn.”
Each of the four films in the “Tales of the Four Seasons” series will play as part of Film Forum’s virtual cinema beginning March 26 and at Laemmle’s virtual cinema in Los Angeles on April 2. You can watch the trailer for the restorations below.
Here are descriptions for all four features:
A TALE OF SPRINGTIME
Opening March 26 at Film Forum
In the first film of “Tales of the Four Seasons,” a burgeoning friendship between philosophy teacher Jeanne (Anne Teyssèdre) and pianist Natacha (Florence Darel) is strained by jealousy, suspicion, and intrigue. Natacha encourages Jeanne to pursue the former’s father, Igor (Hugues Quester), in order to supplant Eve (Eloïse Bennett), the young girlfriend Natacha loathes. Natacha’s scheme, however, risks alienating those closest to her as well as entangling Jeanne in a romantic drama she has vowed to avoid. A Tale of Springtime demonstrates Rohmer in full command of subtle visual storytelling as he contrasts the brightness of his characters’ Parisian and suburban surroundings with their conflicting desires, ideas, and temperaments.
A TALE OF WINTER
Opening April 2 at Film Forum
The second installment of “Tales of the Four Seasons” is among the most spiritual and emotional films of Rohmer’s storied career. Five years after losing touch with Charles (Frédéric van den Driessche), the love of her life and the father of her young daughter, Félicie (Charlotte Véry) attempts to choose between librarian Loïc (Hervé Furic), who lives in the Parisian suburbs, or hairdresser Maxence (Michel Voletti), who has recently moved to Nevers. In the midst of indecision Félicie holds to an undying faith that a miracle will reunite her with Charles, a faith that Rohmer examines in all of its religious dimensions and philosophical ramifications.
A TALE OF SUMMER
Opening April 9 at Film Forum
According to Rohmer, the third film of the “Tales of the Four Seasons” is his “most personal vehicle.” Based on events from Rohmer’s youth, A Tale of Summer follows amateur musician Gaspard (Melvil Poupard) to a seaside resort in Dinard, on the coast of Brittany. There three women (Amanda Langlet, Gwenaëlle Simon, Aurelia Nolin) each offer the possibility of romance, but Gaspard’s inability to commit to just one places all of his chances at love in jeopardy. Summer features Rohmer’s wistful observations on indecisiveness and the fickle nature of desire, as brought to life by a talented young cast in a picturesque setting.
A TALE OF AUTUMN
Opening April 16 at Film Forum
The concluding installment of the “Tales of the Four Seasons” tetralogy is a breezy take on the classic American romantic comedies that influenced Rohmer and his New Wave peers. Set in the Rhône Valley and taking full advantage of its golden vineyards, A Tale of Autumn concerns simultaneous schemes to find a new love for reserved winegrower and widow Magali (Beatrice Romand). While Magali’s son’s girlfriend (Alexia Portal) attempts to pair her with a former professor and lover (Didier Sandre), Magali’s friend Isabelle (Marie Rivière) assumes a false identity in order to bait eligible bachelor Gérald (Alain Libolt). The misunderstandings that follow are pure Rohmer in revealing the humor of human folly and foible.
