The Rules of the Game

• Film Title: Rules of the Game
• Original Year of Production: 1939             
• Studio: Nouvelles Éditions de Films
• Director: Jean Renoit
• Cast: Marcel Dalio, Nora Gregor, and Paulette Dubost
• Producers: Jean Renoir
 

La Règle du jeu or the Rules of the Game is a black and white film directed by Jean Renoir in 1939.  In an interview, Jean Renoir states that his film was highly unpopular and controversial in French society during the late 1930’s. In addition, Renoir goes on to state that the he had not intended on provoking such controversy and that criticism hurt him very deeply. The thesis of this film criticizes the very people who Renoir alluded to in the interview, the Bourgeoisie. The upper-class of French society and their decedent and child-like personalities are exposed in this unconventional film. Renoir was quoted as saying that the Bourgeoisie was “rotten to the core.” These wealthy and privileged citizens are the basis of a rotten and incestual part of society that possesses no strong morals, especially in their love lives. 

This film can be described as an experimental or expository film, as described in Rosenstone. (p.50) Rosenstone describes these films as foreign and usually not elected to the traditional plots and codes as those in Hollywood films. In addition, Rosenstone states that these films are usually made by leftists and choose not to follow Hollywood guidelines because they promote traditional capitalistic idea and do not contribute to social change. This is evident throughout the film, especially in terms of the elites and their incestual love relationships. For example, towards the end of the film Christine finally submits to Andre and confesses that she loves him. However, she later confronts Octave and admits that he is her love. The film portrays other love affairs such as Robert and Genevieve, and Marceau and Lisette. This endless game of cheating and lack of morals is the complete opposite of traditional Hollywood films at the times. The absence of good versus evil in the form of characters and their relationships in are not represented what so ever in this film.

Usually in typical Hollywood based films; there are important moments that transcend the film and its arguments. However, in this film, the zenith at the movie comes at the end when Andre is mistakenly shot by Schumacher. I believe this scene is supposed to be a metaphor for the Bourgeoisie and their lack of strength and character in France during 1939. In Robin Bates article on masculinity in the late 1930’s French films, she describes these men as “flawed men who lack the courage of their convictions and who collapse under pressure.”(p.40)  In the article she goes on to state that France was on the verge of fighting another world war with Germany and the hyper-masculine fascists. She goes on to state Renoit felt that what was wrong with French society needed to be exposed through film. Although the film was not originally perceived well by French audiences, the late 1930’s message of change in French society in dealing with the Bourgeoisie and their failures to France are recognized today by various groups such as the British Film Institute and historians such as Robin Bates.

The film is told through the perspective of the Bourgeoisie, from the childish games of romance between characters to the lavish parties where almost anything is acceptable.  According to historian Bonnie Smith, “governments faced a rebellious citizenry at the end of the war, and to dampen the revolutionary spirit, politicians focused on providing a better standard of living and a return to family life.”(p.202)  Smiths insight only adds weight to the argument that Renoit was critiquing a sleeping French population on the heels of another great war. The film was told through the perspective of the weak Bourgeoisie in order to illustrate what Renoit felt was corrupt about French society.