La Chienne

La Chienne is a 1931 French drama film directed by Jean Renoir, based on the novel of the same name by André Obey. The film is a poignant exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the darker aspects of Parisian life in the early 20th century. The story revolves around Maurice Legrand, a quiet and unassuming cashier played by Henri Rollan, who is trapped in a loveless marriage with his domineering wife Adele, played by Janine Darcey. Adele is a woman consumed by a desire for luxury and material possessions, and she treats Maurice with contempt, viewing him as nothing more than a means to obtain the finer things in life. Maurice, on the other hand, is a kind and gentle soul who is desperate for love and connection. One day, while out walking, Maurice meets Lucienne, a beautiful and charming young prostitute known as Lulu, played by Sylvia Bataille. Lulu is a complex and multifaceted character, who despite her profession, is a romantic at heart. Maurice is immediately smitten with Lulu and begins to pursue her, showering her with gifts and attention. Lulu, who is struggling to make ends meet, accepts Maurice's affections, but not for the reasons that one might assume. Unbeknownst to Maurice, Lulu is still deeply in love with her pimp, Dede, played by Michel Simon. Dede is a ruthless and cunning individual who exercises total control over Lulu's life, forcing her to work as a prostitute to satisfy his own financial needs. Lulu's relationship with Dede is one of fear and submission, and she is trapped in a situation from which she is desperate to escape. Lulu's acceptance of Maurice's advances is motivated by a desire to appease Dede, who demands that she bring in a steady income to support their lavish lifestyle. Maurice, oblivious to Lulu's true situation, believes that he has finally found love and is overjoyed by her affection. However, as the film progresses, it becomes clear that Lulu's feelings for Dede are far more intense than her feelings for Maurice. The film's title, La Chienne, translates to "The Bitch" in English, a term that refers to a female dog. The title is a reference to the cruel and heartless nature of Dede, who treats Lulu like a disposable commodity. Throughout the film, Dede is depicted as a master manipulator, using his charm and good looks to control those around him. As the story unfolds, Maurice becomes increasingly entangled in Lulu's complicated web of relationships. He showers her with gifts and attention, hoping to win her affections, but Lulu is torn between her feelings for Maurice and her loyalty to Dede. The tension between Maurice and Lulu is palpable, and it is clear that she is using him to satisfy Dede's financial needs, rather than any genuine affection for him. The film's climax is a tragic and heart-wrenching conclusion, as the true nature of Lulu's relationship with Dede is finally revealed to Maurice. The scene is both shocking and heartbreaking, as Maurice is forced to confront the cruel reality of Lulu's situation. La Chienne is a powerful and poignant film that explores the darker aspects of human relationships. The film's portrayal of the exploitation and abuse of women is both unflinching and uncomfortable, but it is a necessary commentary on the societal norms of the time. The film's use of location shooting in the streets of Paris adds to the sense of authenticity and grittiness, making the film feel like a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the lives of those who live on the fringes of society. The film's direction by Jean Renoir is masterful, using a combination of long takes and montage to create a sense of fluidity and realism. The cinematography by Claude Renoir, Jean Renoir's brother, is striking, capturing the beauty and grittiness of Parisian life in the early 20th century. The performances from the cast are also superb, with Henri Rollan and Sylvia Bataille delivering nuanced and heartfelt performances as the doomed lovers at the film's center. Overall, La Chienne is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of human relationships and the darker aspects of Parisian life. It is a film that is both haunting and thought-provoking, and it remains a testament to the power of Jean Renoir's direction and the enduring importance of his work.