La Nuit de Varennes

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.

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".

After having been annoyed by the candy cane music video of Coppola's "Marie Antoinette," I went in search of this film again. I had remembered liking "La Nuit de Varennes" when it came out, but 25 years later it looks much, much better.

A hostile person once defined French film as people saying wounding things to each other for an hour and a half, then somebody dies of cancer or a gunshot. This film redeems the stereotype, as people say wounding things to each other for over two hours and nobody dies (on camera, anyway).

Imagine "Stagecoach" with politics instead of Catholic redemption, then add a solid, witty script and great acting. Veterans Barrault and Mastroianni give canny, memorable performances and everybody else is just fine.

If your model for the movies is the roller-coaster or the video game, you will scream in agony. If you would prefer not to be insulted, this film will be balm for the soul.

Since the powers that be have decreed that this film shall fall between the cracks, it's worth a little research to find it on DVD. Google "That Night in Varennes" and check the first dozen results. It's the best we can do until the delinquent owners of the film come to their senses.

I frankly don't find much value in movie reviews, amateur or professional, so I won't belabor my points. Simply put, this is the smartest film I've ever seen. A coherent plot and intelligent dialog are critical to my movie pleasure, and this one has them. It is so good that it is almost novelistic, which is not to say that it could have been taken from a novel. Some review guide said of this movie that it is "talk, talk, talk." Exactly! The conversations are witty, charming, and often funny. Be advised that this is not akin to the insipid "My Dinner With Andre," with its metaphysical posturing. One must say this carefully about any movie, but there are actually things to learn from this film, though it is far more entertaining than didactic. The acting is mature and magnificent. I doubt that Mastroianni was ever in a better role. Jean-Louis Barrault and Hanna Schygulla are brilliant. This, along with his other excellent films, should have made director Scola one of the titans of modern cinema. Instead it has never made it to DVD and you will be fortunate to ever see it. (Update: It is now available as an all- region Blu-Ray.)

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.