Cinema is one of the most significant and influential art forms of the modern era. It has captured the imagination of people all around the world for over a century, and it continues to evolve and innovate to this day. The history of cinema is a fascinating journey that spans more than 120 years, beginning with the first moving images captured on film and culminating in the sophisticated technology and storytelling of modern cinema. Here is the contribution of Provence to Cinema.
The invention of cinema
Created by Louis Le Prince in 1888. The film, called “Roundhay Garden Scene,” was shot in the garden of Oakwood Grange, the home of Le Prince’s mother-in-law, in Roundhay, Leeds, England. The film depicts Le Prince’s family and friends walking around the garden, with a running time of 2.11 seconds and showing 13 frames at 12 fps. However, the very first films were made by the Lumière brothers, Auguste and Louis, who were pioneers in the field of cinema. They shot them in 1895 and 1896, in the streets of Lyon and Marseille, and these films are considered the first public demonstrations of motion picture technology. The Lumière Brothers not only shot films in Provence but also around the world, they are considered the first to invent the motion picture camera and projector. Their creations were short, usually lasting around 50 seconds, and showed everyday scenes such as people leaving a factory or a train arriving at a station.
Pierrot le fou
“Pierrot le Fou” is a French film directed by Jean-Luc Godard and released in 1965. The film stars Jean-Paul Belmondo and Anna Karina and is set in the south of France, particularly in the Provence region. The film tells the story of Ferdinand Griffon (Belmondo), a disillusioned writer who leaves his wife and children to go on the run with his former babysitter, Marianne (Karina). Together they embark on a journey of crime and self-discovery, which leads them to the French Riviera, including the towns of Nice, Antibes, and St Tropez in Provence. Along the way, they confront their own pasts and the emptiness of their lives, all while being pursued by a group of gangsters. The film is known for its striking cinematography and its colorful depiction of the south of France. The film also features a memorable soundtrack with songs by French singer and songwriter Serge Gainsbourg. The performances of the actors, particularly Jean-Paul Belmondo and Anna Karina, are remarkable and help to bring the story to life. “Pierrot le Fou” is considered a classic of French New Wave cinema and is known for its style and its exploration of themes such as disillusionment, freedom, and the search for identity. The film was a commercial success and was nominated for the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1965.
Manon des sources
“Manon des Sources” is a French film directed by Claude Berri and released in 1986. It is a sequel to the film “Jean de Florette” which was released the previous year and both films are based on the novels of the same name by Marcel Pagnol. The film tells the story of Manon, a young girl who lives in the hills of Provence with her grandfather. She is determined to find out the truth behind the death of her mother, who was driven to suicide by the greed and deception of the wealthy landowner Ugolin and his uncle César. Along the way, she discovers a hidden source of water on the land and seeks to take revenge on those who wronged her family. The performances of the actors are remarkable, especially by Emmanuelle Béart and Yves Montand, who both received César awards for their roles in the film. The film also showcases the beauty of Provence, with its picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and delicious local cuisine… The film was a commercial and critical success and won the César award for Best Director and Best Film. “Manon des Sources” is a powerful and emotional film that tells the story of a young woman’s quest for justice and revenge set in the beautiful Provence region.
La Piscine (The swimming pool)
La Piscine” is a French film directed by Jacques Deray and released in 1969. The film stars Alain Delon, Romy Schneider, and Maurice Ronet and is set in the south of France, near St. Tropez. The film tells the story of a love triangle that develops between a wealthy couple, Jean and Marianne, and their friend Harry, who is staying with them at their summer home. The tension between the three characters builds as they spend their days lounging by the swimming pool and partying with their friends. The relationships between the characters become more complicated as jealousy and infidelity come into play, ultimately leading to a tragic ending. The film is known for its glamorous depiction of the jet-set lifestyle in the south of France, as well as its beautiful cinematography and stunning location shots of the Mediterranean coastline. The film also features a memorable soundtrack with songs by French singer and songwriter Serge Gainsbourg.
Alain Delon gives a charismatic performance as Jean, the wealthy and suave businessman, while Romy Schneider is captivating as his lover Marianne. The film also features a strong performance by Maurice Ronet as Harry, the outsider who disrupts the couple’s idyllic life.
Marcel Pagnol (1895-1974)
Marcel Pagnol, the celebrated French playwright, novelist, filmmaker, and honorable member of the Académie Française is renowned for his cinematic oeuvre set in the picturesque Provence region of France. Among his acclaimed films is “Marius”, the inaugural movie of the “Marseille Trilogy”, which follows the tale of a young man’s amorous pursuits of a girl from the bustling port city of Marseille. The second installment, “Fanny”, depicts the couple’s struggle to begin a new life together, while the third and final part, “César”, delves into the complexities of aging and the passage of time.
In addition to the “Marseille Trilogy”, Pagnol directed “Angèle”, a poignant story of a young woman from a rustic Provencal village who falls in love with a city-dwelling man, and “Topaze”, a witty comedy revolving around a schoolteacher embroiled in a fraudulent scheme with a wealthy businessman. Notably, Pagnol also directed a trilogy of films adapted from his autobiographical novel “My Father’s Glory”, comprising “La Gloire de Mon Père” (1990), “Le Château de ma Mère” (1992) and “L’Ecole des Femmes” (1989), that celebrate the filmmaker’s upbringing in the countryside of Provence and his relationship with his father. These movies have achieved a legendary status in French cinema and are highly recommended for aficionados of the art form.
