Mississippi Mermaid

"Mississippi Mermaid" is a 1969 French romantic drama film directed by the acclaimed auteur François Truffaut. The film stars Catherine Deneuve and Jean-Paul Belmondo, two of the period's most iconic French actors, alongside Nelly Borgeaud in a supporting role. "Mississippi Mermaid" is based on the novel "Waltz into Darkness" by Cornell Woolrich and exemplifies Truffaut's fascination with the complexity of love and the intricacies of human relationships.

The story unfolds on the island of Réunion, located in the Indian Ocean, where a wealthy tobacco plantation owner, Louis Mahé (played by Jean-Paul Belmondo), leads a comfortable yet unromantic life. In search of companionship and inspired by the quaint customs of the time, he has been corresponding with a woman, Julie Roussel (portrayed by Catherine Deneuve), whom he has never met in person. The two engage in an epistolary relationship, and based on their letters, they decide to marry.

Anticipating the arrival of his bride-to-be, Louis waits with bated breath for Julie to disembark from the ship, the eponymous "Mississippi Mermaid." When she finally appears, Julie is strikingly beautiful, but to Louis's surprise, she does not quite match the description he expected. Nevertheless, captivated by her charm and enamored with the woman before him, Louis overlooks these discrepancies and the couple marries in haste.

The story quickly takes a turn as the newlyweds settle into their life together. Louis, deeply infatuated, remains blind to peculiarities in Julie's behavior, attributing any oddities to the anxiousness of adjusting to her new life and surroundings. As he becomes more absorbed in his passion, he starts making decisions that could be deemed uncharacteristic or even reckless for someone of his stature and responsibility.

Deneuve's portrayal of Julie is complex and mysterious. Her nuanced performance as the enigmatic Julie keeps the audience guessing about her true intentions, motives, and past—offering a layered character that is both beguiling and perplexing. Julie's ambiguity serves as the film's emotional core, and the chemistry between her and Belmondo's character is palpable. The relational dynamics between Julie and Louis are a testament to Truffaut's keen understanding of psychological depth in cinematic storytelling.

Nelly Borgeaud contributes to the film's tension as a supporting character whose interjections add to the already tangled web of personal relationships and secrets. As the narrative progresses, this supporting cast serves to underscore themes of deception, longing, and identity.

"Mississippi Mermaid" is not only a character study but also an exploration of genre. Truffaut blends elements of romance, noir, and suspense, creating a film that defies easy categorization. The lush island setting juxtaposes with the film’s darker undertones, crafting an atmosphere where beauty intersects with an impending sense of foreboding. The director's signature style is evident in the carefully orchestrated shots, attention to period detail, and the subtle yet poignant score that accompanies the onscreen drama.

The atmosphere of the film is further enriched by the cinematography of Denys Clerval, who captures the lush landscapes of the tropics as well as the intimate interiors where much of the drama unfolds. The director's frequent collaboration with composer Antoine Duhamel results in a haunting and evocative musical score that reinforces the emotional and psychological weight of the narrative.

Appreciators of film history might note "Mississippi Mermaid" as part of the French New Wave, a cinematic movement known for its break from traditional filmmaking norms, and a desire to showcase a more personal and artistic expression. While Truffaut was among the forerunners of this movement, by the time he made this film, his work had begun to incorporate more traditional narrative elements, which is evident in the structure and pacing of "Mississippi Mermaid."

Thematically, the film delves into issues of identity, trust, and the oft-blurred lines between reality and illusion. As much as it is a story about love, it's equally a tale about the risks and uncertainties that come with opening one's heart to another. It questions the extent to which love can blind individuals to the truth and explores the consequences that arise when illusions are shattered.

In conclusion, "Mississippi Mermaid" is a cinematic journey that captivates audiences with its compelling performances, rich atmosphere, and complex narrative. Truffaut masterfully weaves a tale of romance and suspense that holds as much resonance today as it did upon its release. Fans of Truffaut, Deneuve, and Belmondo, as well as devotees of French cinema, will find in "Mississippi Mermaid" a classic film that embodies the creative fervor and exploration of the human condition that characterizes the best of the New Wave movement.