Elena et les hommes (1956)
Directed by Jean Renoir

Film Review

On the surface this appears to be a virtual remake of La Règle du jeu (1939), Renoir's 1930s classic.  Whilst there are many similarities, in terms of the characters and plot, the films are actually only superficially similar, and there is no doubt that Éléna et les hommes is no where near as good as that earlier film.

That is not to say that this is by any means a bad film.  As in Renoir's immediately preceding film, French Cancan (1954), the great French film director shows complete mastery of the new medium of colour photography.  This film is stunning in its use of colour, evoking the famous paintings of Renoir's father, Auguste Renoir.  The Bastile Day celebrations are magnificently captured in a frenzy of exuberant activity, quite possibly the most energetic and colourful piece of cinema ever made.

Ingrid Bergman is exquisitely charming as the social-climbing and apparently fickle Polish princess.  Her restrained yet charismatic performance adds much to the character of the film and shows an inspired piece of casting on the part of Jean Renoir.

Jean Marais and Mel Ferrer bring a combination of romance, virility and wit to their roles as the princess' rival suitors.  The icing of the cake is the Parisian street song which just feels so completely appropriate, giving the film the feel of a fully fledged musical comedy.

The film is clearly a lighter work than some of Renoir's better known earlier classics, and it is here that the film probably falls down.  The film shows an inexorable decline into farce as it progresses, which undermines the seriousness and depth in the romantic adventures involving Éléna and her various suitors.   Despite a promising start, all of the major characters ultimately end up appearing wooden and two-dimensional, and the film's ending appears rushed and contrived.  Worse, some of the comedy, although well meant, just fails to hit its mark, and scenes which ought to be funny just come across as trite and irritating (for example, all that silly running around at the end of the film).

It is very difficult to decide whether this is a good film or a bad film - it depends so much on your expectations and personal tastes.  Certainly, you will be disappointed if you are expecting another La Règle du jeu or La bête humaine .  However, if you are after a light romantic comedy with some great acting talent and colourful photography, you shouldn't be too disappointed.

Film Synopsis

Éléna is a young Polish widow who lives in Paris of the 1880s.  During Bastile Day celebrations, she meets and is nearly seduced by a young count, Henri Chevincourt - although she intends to marry a wealthy shoe manufacturer, Martin-Michaud.  She also meets and flirts with a popular general, Rollan, who succumbs to her charms.  Éléna is persuaded to encourage Rollan to fulfil his political ambitions, but her flirtations with Rollan make her other suitor, Henri, jealous.  Just how will Éléna choose between her men?