Happiness ("Le Bonheur")

Director: Agnes Varda
Starring: Jean-Claude Drouot, Claire Drouot, marie-France Boyer
Year: 1965

Francois is a young carpenter married with Therese. They have two little children. All goes well, life is beautiful, the sun shines and the birds sing. One day, Francois meets Emilie, they fall in love and become lovers. He still loves his wife and wants to share his new greater happiness with her.

Comments: When the film first was screened in the 1960s, it was very controversial due its frank portrayal of infidelity and open sexuality, and the insensitivity of a widower and his lover following his wife's death. Seen through the lens of current cinematography and social norms, after more than 40 years that controversy seems very dated. But the film, with its bright, optimistic colors, and its naively idyllic view of the world, is still intriguing and the questions raised still relevant. At the time Varda made the film, she had mostly wanted an excuse to spend time experiencing the quintessential French country picnic -- hence the film was shot mostly set in the country. Claire Drouot, who plays the wife, is the real-life of Jean-Claude. In spite of (or because of) the film's theme and their roles in the film, they have been married for nearly 50 years.

Recommended.