Let Joy Reign Supreme

Let Joy Reign Supreme is a riveting historical drama from 1975 directed by renowned French filmmaker, Bertrand Tavernier. The film stars some of the most illustrious actors of French cinema, namely Philippe Noiret, Jean Rochefort, and Jean-Pierre Marielle, who deliver powerfully evocative performances to enthrall and captivate viewers.

Set in the politically turbid period of 18th-century France, Let Joy Reign Supreme observes the incendiary ascension of Philippe d'Orléans (Philippe Noiret) to the regency following the death of Louis XIV. Noiret greets this role with formidable grace and tenacity that befits the tumultuous administration of the then French monarch.

The film paints a vivid image of the time of the Regency, characterized by political intrigue, financial bankruptcy, opulence of the rich, and the poverty of the common people. Philippe Noiret gives a stellar performance that explores both the human and the political angles of his character's personality. He flawlessly portrays Philippe d'Orléans balancing the paradoxes of his role - a freethinker dabbling in libertine hedonism, yet also a shrewd and benevolent ruler curbing the power of the Church and placing the interest of the state before his own.

Jean Rochefort plays the juxtaposing character of L'abbé Dubois. A character riddled with cunning machinations, he represents the cleric’s narcissistic ambition to climb the religious hierarchy, indifferent to moral or ethical qualms. The interplay between him and Noiret adds a discernible tension and intrigue to the film.

Jean-Pierre Marielle, another decorated veteran of French cinema, personifies the vacillating Chevalier de Vilmorin. His character struggles with the paradoxes of his aristocratic upbringing and his youthful idealism, which assert a toll in the face of injustice and corruption.

The brilliance of Let Joy Reign Supreme lies in its precise composition. Director Tavernier pays attention to meticulous detail with regards to historical accuracy, from the norms of the period to the rich costume design, the sumptuous set pieces, the prevailing social conditions to the nature of politics in the Regency era. Yet, the film’s approach toward the historical narrative is far from static. The film is a potent critique of the political manipulation, hedonism, and rigid class structures prevailing in the Regency period and subtly hints at the forthcoming French Revolution.

The film's cinematography stage manages luminous frames, capturing both the austere grandeur of the aristocracy and the plight of the commoners. Despite the grave seriousness of its subject matter, Tavernier infuses instances of wit and ironic humor, lending a layered complexity to the narrative.

As the title suggests, the film is basically a sober, reflective contemplation of the "State of Joy" - how sovereign is this joy, and at what price it is achieved for some at the expense of others. However, Tavernier ensures that he escorts his audience through this journey with a delicate balance between comedy and drama while ensuring an engaging historical narrative that resonates not just as a picture of a bygone era but also as a mirror reflecting timeless human idiosyncrasies.

Philippe Sarde's orchestral soundtrack masterfully sets the tonal fluctuations of the film, making Let Joy Reign Supreme a joyride of emotions, political showdowns, historical events, and deeply human experiences. As Tavernier's second feature film after The Watchmaker of Saint-Paul, it is widely viewed as a significant leap in his illustrious filmography.

Overall, Let Joy Reign Supreme is a valuable watch for a divergence of audiences. Whether you are a fan of European cinema, historical dramas, political evolutions, or are simply intrigued by great performances by renowned actors, this film provides an engaging, entertaining, and intellectually invigorating cinematic experience. A significant accomplishment of 1970's French cinema, Let Joy Reign Supreme continues to be revered in contemporary times for its uncanny ability to fuse drama, history, and psychological portrayal with finesse.