La Ronde
Max Ophüls, France, 1950; 97m
Even those unfamiliar with Ophüls’s oeuvre know this much-imitated film, adapted from a Schnitzler play and initially banned in the United States due to its alleged immorality. This roundelay of brief affairs set in 19th-century Vienna begins when a young prostitute (the glorious Simone Signoret) momentarily loves a soldier (Serge Reggiani), who takes up with a maid (Simone Simon). The carnal carousel ride continues to spin under the narration of puppetmaster Anton Walbrook, as one partner from each coupling moves on to the next liaison. If Schnitzler meant to cast a mordant gaze on sexual shallowness, Ophüls recognizes both the power and evanescence of desire. The cast could not be improved upon: Danièlle Darrieux, Daniel Gélin, Odette Joyeux, Jean-Louis Barrault, Isa Miranda and Gérard Philipe. ARCHIVE PRINT
Fri Jan 23: 3:10pm and 7:00pm