The Lady And The Duke

Eighty years old when he filmed this fascinating melding of celluloid and digital video, the singular French director Eric Rohmer proves that he could probably do cutting-edge music videos for experimental/speed-metal/gangsta rappers if he wanted to. Rohmer's trademark conversational characters are as much in evidence here as in his string of talkfest fables, in which beautifully ordinary bourgeoisie try to understand their place in modern life and, more often than not, are rewarded with a glimmer of true knowledge. What makes this film different, aside from being a rare-for-Rohmer period piece — set during the French Revolution — is its deliberate, painter...