My Night at Maud's

About My Night at Maud's

"My Night at Maud's" (original title " Ma nuit chez Maud") is a classic French New Wave film released in 1969. Directed and written by Eric Rohmer, it is the third installment in Rohmer's series of six "Moral Tales". The film is an insightful exploration of love, morality, and the complexity of human relationships. It revolves around the protagonist, Jean-Louis, a devoted Catholic and a solitary engineer who becomes entranced by a mysterious woman named Maud.

Making / Production

Despite having a micro budget, the film was a commercial and critical success, much of which is attributed to the sensitive direction of Rohmer. The intimate and naturalistic filming style is marked by the extensive use of dialogue, minimal action, and a focus on the interior lives of the characters.

Actors

• Jean-Louis Trintignant as Jean-Louis - He brilliantly portrayed the character of a mathematician who depicts religious and moral conflicts.
• Françoise Fabian as Maud - Her bewitching portrayal of a free-spirited divorcee was widely appreciated.
• Marie-Christine Barrault as Françoise - Playing Jean-Louis' love interest, Barrault's performance was earnest and convincing.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was shot in four weeks in Clermont-Ferrand, France.
• This film is largely autobiographical, capturing Rohmer's own moral and religious dilemmas.
• "My Night at Maud's" is considered a staple of French New Wave cinema.

Awards

"My Night at Maud's" won the Luis Buñuel Award at the 1970 Cannes Film Festival. It was also nominated for Best Foreign Language Film and Best Original Screenplay at the 43rd Academy Awards.

Quotes

• "There's no such things as chance."
• "All I need is a woman. Tonight on the street, I was crazed with love."

Music, Soundtrack

• While there isn't a traditional soundtrack in the film, the use of natural sounds enhances the ambience.