The Green Ray (1986) - Eric Rohmer

Delphine, a young Parisian woman, has just learned that her best friend cannot join her on their planned vacation together because of her new boyfriend.  This news leaves Delphine hearbroken, fearing that she is destined to spend the summer alone.  Unwilling to lose all hope, Delphine tries a number of alternatives to her planned vacation, such as tagging along on one of her friend's family retreats.  Delphine struggles to find a place where she can feel free, even becoming desperate enough to attempt staying at her ex-fiance's ski resort home.  Eric Rohmer's The Green Ray is one of the most impressive films I've ever seen to deal with romantic yearning.  The Green Ray is a narrative that has been segmented in vignettes, each one being a day in the life of Delphine.  Through the various days of summer, Rohmer has crafted a film that gives the viewer a genuine and honest viewpoint into this character's world.  As the film progresses, we begin to realize that Delphine is still haunted by the ending of her longtime relationship that has left her unwanted and hopeless.  Delphine is a highly intelligent, introverted woman whose insecurities often set her back when it comes to meeting someone new.  Her viewpoint is one of romantic idealism, where her uncompromising view on her ideal mate leaves her lonely.  She is a character that encapsulates romantic yearning, showing how one's desire to control and define their perfect match can only lead to internal struggle with one's self.  Willowy Riviere plays Delphine perfectly, capturing a strong-minded woman whose fear of loneliness has exposed her fragility..  Eric Rohmer's The Green Ray is yet another impressive film by the master filmmaking that captures a part of humanity in such a genuine and beautiful way.  

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