Daniel Corleone's Movie Review of Rules of the Game, The ( règle du jeu, La )

The Rules of the Game review
Daniel Corleone - wrote on 05/06/13

"Society has strict rules" as Octave mentioned. Definitely a film ahead of its time in terms of playing a satire of the upper/lower class and mocking its protagonists. An influential complex romantic comedy drama with lots of subplots. It starts of slow for excellent character development but the humor, core, direction, performances and dialogues were spotless from beginning to the ironic conclusion. André Jurieux becomes a hero but is saddened by his lovers lack of support and announces it on the radio live. He almost kills himself with Mr. Octave. Octave informs Christine about the actions of his friend. Octave and Lisette were very likable characters, Robert a great host and the rest of the support were fabulous.

One of the very best screenplays this critic has witnessed. Examples of the intelligently written script: "Time goes by so fast." - Christine, "The more you give the more they want." "The young should stay with the young and the old with the old." Lisette, "Everybody has their own reasons." "Everybody lies." "Times get tougher but you get used to them." "You never know. Anything's possible." - Octave, "But times are difficult." - Marceau and "We all make mistakes." "I'm against barriers and walls." - Robert de la Cheyniest.

The costumes and locations were very plush, perfect for the bourgeois settings. Performances were believable and never forced. So many stunning and skillful camera direction such as the close-ups on the animals being hunted and the chase sequences in the castle. The picture clearly exemplifies lies, infidelity, upper class/lower class society, lack of etiquette, passion for collecting, social/culture class discrimination's, positive thinking, rumors, friendship, image of the upper class, fate, loyalty, letting go, enduring pain and love.

Robert Altman was heavily influenced by the movies premise that it was incorporated to Gosford Park. This however, was more entertaining and provocative. Not a single frame was wasted and the cinematography was perfection. The Rules of the Game never feels dated since its premise/themes are still prevalent in this day of age. It's no coincidence it is considered one of the greatest films created in so many lists.