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Movie spotlight

The Green Ray

2001
Movie
3 min
English

A static and silent shot of a sunset off the western coast of Madagascar. Tacita Dean filmed the ‘green ray’, a legendary natural phenomenon that takes place when, in specific atmospheric circumstances, the last ray of sun passes over the horizon and becomes green.

Insights

IMDb7.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes93%
Metacritic85/100
Google Users88%
Director: Éric RohmerGenres: Comedy, Drama, Romance

Plot Summary

Delphine, a Parisian secretary, is desperately seeking a holiday companion as her friends cancel their plans one by one. She longs for a meaningful connection and travels through France, from the Cherbourg coast to the Alps, hoping to find happiness and a sense of belonging. Her emotional journey is marked by a series of encounters and missed opportunities as she grapples with loneliness and the elusive nature of true contentment.

Critical Reception

Éric Rohmer's "The Green Ray" was met with critical acclaim for its naturalistic portrayal of a young woman's existential crisis and its exploration of modern relationships. Reviewers praised its subtle humor, authentic dialogue, and Marie Rivière's compelling performance. It's considered a poignant and relatable depiction of a common experience, resonating with audiences for its understated emotional depth.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its raw, authentic depiction of female loneliness and the search for connection.

  • Marie Rivière's performance is highlighted as a naturalistic and deeply empathetic portrayal.

  • Rohmer's signature observational style and understated humor are central to its charm.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciate the film's realistic portrayal of Delphine's emotional journey and her relatable struggles with loneliness and finding happiness. Many commend the natural dialogue and the film's honest, unvarnished look at human relationships and the anxieties of single life.

Awards & Accolades

Venice Film Festival - Golden Lion (Nominated)

Fun Fact

The film was famously shot with a small crew and a largely improvisational script, allowing Marie Rivière significant input into Delphine's character and dialogue.

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