The Rules of the Game

In Jean Renoir's 1939 masterpiece, The Rules of the Game, the façade of aristocratic refinement and civility is stripped away, revealing the sordid and shallow existence of a group of high-society Frenchmen and women gathering at the country château of the wealthy and esteemed Octave. On the surface, this seemingly idyllic retreat appears to be a quintessential expression of the French countryside's grandeur and charm, but as the weekend unfolds, the cracks in the social hierarchy begin to emerge, exposing the dark underbelly of this elite group. As the story begins, we are introduced to André Jurieu, a charming but aimless young pilot who has fallen out of favor with his wealthy patron, Michel. Octave, a witty and urbane acquaintance of the group, takes a particular interest in André and sees him as a potential suitor for his friend, Christine's affections. Meanwhile, Christine is being pursued by the obsessive and possessive Robert de Ste. Colombe, a brutish and unsophisticated aristocrat. Meanwhile, the group's dynamics are complicated by the presence of the beautiful and alluring Hélène, a woman from a lower social class who has become the mistress of Robert. Her presence serves as a constant reminder to the group of the societal boundaries and taboos that they are willing to ignore, often at great personal cost. As the weekend wears on, tensions within the group escalate, and the carefully constructed facade of civility begins to crumble. Disputes and misunderstandings arise, and the characters' true selves begin to emerge. Octave, who has been observing the events of the weekend with a detached sense of amusement, serves as a sort of Greek chorus, guiding the audience through the complexities of the characters' relationships and the societal expectations that govern their behavior. Throughout the film, Renoir employs a masterful use of mise-en-scène and camera angles to create a sense of unease and discomfort. The lavish country setting serves as a stark contrast to the characters' inner lives, highlighting the disconnect between their external façade and their inner turmoil. The film's use of long takes and fluid camera movements adds to the sense of unease, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy that draws the viewer into the midst of the characters' drama. One of the film's most striking aspects is its portrayal of the characters' shallow and often cruel treatment of one another. Despite their polished exteriors, the characters are revealed to be petty, selfish, and often cruel, with little regard for the feelings and well-being of those around them. This is particularly evident in the character of Robert, who is willing to use any means necessary to win Christine's affections, including violence and intimidation. As the weekend draws to a close, the group's dynamics have reached a boiling point. Accusations and recriminations fly back and forth, and the carefully constructed facades of civility and refinement are reduced to rubble. In the end, it is not the aristocrats and high-society types who are revealed to be the most vulnerable and exposed, but rather the working-class and lower-tier members of the group, who are forced to bear the brunt of the group's cruelty and indifference. The Rules of the Game is a scathing critique of the French aristocracy and the societal norms that governed their behavior. Renoir's film is a powerful indictment of the empty, shallow lives of the haute bourgeoisie, and serves as a commentary on the human cost of class and privilege. Through its masterful use of cinematography, character development, and social commentary, The Rules of the Game remains one of the greatest films of all time, a powerful and unflinching portrait of the darker aspects of human nature.