This beautiful film details a day in the life of an elderly painter, Ladmiral (Louis Ducreux), a holdover from the days of the French Impressionists. On one average Sunday in 1912, Ladmiral entertains his son (Michel Aumont) and the latter's family. They walk through the picturesque
grounds of Ladmiral's country estate, prepare dinner, and tell wonderful stories about life and art. Unexpectedly, Ladmiral's daughter, Irene (Sabine Azema), pays a rare visit. Although Irene is the troubled outcast of the family, she is still her father's favorite, making this otherwise average
Sunday exciting and worthwhile.
The story line may appear simple and undramatic, but the movie's beauty lies in this simplicity. The old painter's Sunday is serene. He is an old man who has lived a quiet life and enjoys reminiscing, his surroundings are bathed in a peaceful light, his canvas quietly awaits his artistic touch.
The sum of these simple parts is a rich view of life. Betrand Tavernier, named Best Director at the Cannes Film Festival for this film, successfully evokes the essence of French life in the early 20th century. Tavernier and cinematographer Bruno de Keyzer have made a conscious effort to attain the
appearance of French Impressionist painting. In fact, A SUNDAY IN THE COUNTRY is nothing short of a painting come to life. leave a comment