La Nuit de Varennes

We really enjoyed this. Barrault and Mastroianni are terrific actors--did an outstanding job. The philosophical questions raised are still worth considering today, as the movie implies, and yet they are raised in an interesting and indirect way, so the viewer doesn't feel bludgeoned or lectured at.

I was interested to discover that the flight to Varennes was in fact historical, though I could not discover whether Restif de Bretonnes (Barrault's character) was actually at the event and commented on first-hand knowledge. He did write extensively about life and events of the time. The interchange of ideas seemed natural, despite the apparent absurdity of finding all of them in the same coach at the same time. Sort of like those "if you could invite 5 historical figures to dinner at the same time" ideas.

Very much worth seeing.

One of the most satisfying films I've seen. A bit obtuse but very well done if you are fond of tongue in cheek humor, outstanding portrayals, great direction and cinematography.

The short version: This a whimsy that follows an aging Casanova and an eclectic group of Frenchmen as they travel through the French countryside in a coach during the time of the French Revolution. It's a comedy presented with delicacy and intellect and the cinematography is outstanding. It may or may not strike you as outstanding, as it did me, but it is so worth the time it will take to find it and see it two or three times.

I just read the first posted review and had to laugh out loud. Aw shucks yawl, if it's so bad, why are copies on VHS selling for $300 to $400? I lost my copy to a friend who borrowed many times and never returned anything. Shame on her.

If anyone knows where I can find a copy on VHS to dub, I'd be so appreciative. Thanks and do take a peek. "groovycuvee@netscape.net".

Few people have probably heard of this French film. Yet, it is a masterpiece. Some great actors brought this story of classical art cinema alive. The historical moment depicted is the period just after the French Revolution. Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette are making a final attempt to escape - they flee from Paris. Historical characters (Casanova, Restif de la Bretonne) and imagined characters are all joined by a trip in a stagecoach. This is an opportunity for us to discover different mentalities of the 18th century. Each character sees the French Revolution differently, but the viewer can sense its uselessness, the suffering it brought by tearing a whole world apart.

great performances. a slice of history. gems-scenes. the bitter atmosphere of a fall of an world. a film for memories. with slices of beautiful dialogue and a splendid Mastroianni, the testimonies and voices and words of a night. the tension and the royal couple. and the smoke of a room, drinks and small portraits. short, a film who preserves, in your memory, for long time, its delicate flavor. and it is enough.

One of the most notable reviewers on this site condemned "La nuit de Varennes" to 2,5 stars (out of 4), but I am of the opinion that this movie should be appreciated better : there are not so many cinematic works in our times that are carried by such valuable concept,i.e. that preach and teach dignity and tolerance opposed to a laudable but often misguiding need to serve some higher principle. "Idiocy is the worst of treasons. - And no revolution will ever stop it." In Scola's historical comedy of manners, thoughts and emotions, Barrault's Restif is the key figure which spans a bridge between humble vox populi of Thomas Paine and aristocratic grandeur of Casanova. Watching this movie I felt like the spirit of wiser old Europe (which is still there, thanks to Scola a.o.) entered the body of Robert Altman's shape. French blu-ray with English subtitles is to be treasured.