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The Eternal Return

1943, Movie, NR, 100 mins

The Eternal Return: Review

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This modernized version of the Tristan and Isolde legend finds Patrice (Jean Marais) falling in love with two women named Nathalie (Madeleine Sologne and Junie Astor), one of whom (Sologne) has been betrothed to Patrice's wealthy uncle Marc (Jean Murat). Thinking that Nathalie I (Sologne) doesn't love him, Patrice proposes to Nathalie II. While the film is directed by Jean Delannoy, who is mediocre at best, the credit for its success belongs to scriptwriter Jean Cocteau. Although he had won praise 13 years earlier with THE BLOOD OF A POET, the painter-poet-playwright didn't gain real status in the cinema until this picture. Everything in it bears his mark, from the magical love potion to the idea of life continuing after death. It also marks the beginning of Cocteau's association with Marais, who would later appear in BEAUTY AND THE BEAST; THE EAGLE WITH TWO HEADS; LES PARENTS TERRIBLES; ORPHEUS; and THE TESTAMENT OF ORPHEUS. The wholly impersonal Delannoy, on the other hand, is best remembered today for his collaborations with others--Cocteau, Andre Gide (LA SYMPHONIE PASTORALE), and Jean-Paul Sartre (LES JEUX SONT FAITS). Pierre Pieral adds a demonic touch to the film with his portrayal of Achille, the hateful and monstrous dwarf. (In French; with English subtitles.) leave a comment
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