Pauline at the Beach

Pauline at the Beach is a French language romantic comedy movie directed by Éric Rohmer in 1983. The film stars Amanda Langlet in the title role, along with Arielle Dombasle and Pascal Greggory. Filled with delightful dialogues and an engaging storyline, the movie is a breezy exploration of young love, innocence, and the intricacies of romantic relationships. It's a truly holistic portrayal of the joys, confusion, and uncertainty that come with the territory of love and desire.

The narrative revolves around the tender 15-year-old Pauline (Amanda Langlet). Red-haired, perceptive, and with a sense of all things new, Pauline symbolizes purity and open-mindedness. The teenage girl is set to spend the rest of her summer at a beach house in the beautiful Normandy region, in the company of her older cousin Marion (Arielle Dombasle). Marion, a beautiful and recent divorcee, is a stark contrast to Pauline in her worldly knowledge and experiences.

Marion is simultaneously juggling the affections of two men. The first is her ex-lover and the opportunist Pierre (Pascal Greggory), who by coincidence, also happens to be vacationing in the same area. The second man is Henri (Féodor Atkine), an older, experienced ethnographer specialized in cultures of third world children, who is willing to take romantic risks.

Pauline, at the same time, is subtly stepping into her initial experiences of romance, with a local boy she encounters at the Normandy beaches. This parallel running of the youthful adolescent love, in comparison to the adult complexities of romance, sets a fascinating contrast in the narrative.

Pauline at the Beach is the light-hearted third installment of Rohmer's renowned six-part series, "Comédies et Proverbes." Each part of the series is inspired by a different proverb. This film revolves around the saying: “He who talks too much is making a mistake.” The dialogue-driven narrative respects this proverb by showcasing characters indulging in long conversations about love, truth, and deceit. The beauty of dialogue rather than an action-filled narrative reflects Rohmer's signature style, where the conversation reveals more about the characters than their actions, contributing to the depth and charm of the cinematic experience.

A particularly notable characteristic of the movie is its strikingly colorful cinematography. Nestisarvainen's bright and vivid color palette poignantly mimics the sunny Normandy beaches and youthful romance, adding a subtle visual delight to Rohmer's rich dialogue. The director captures the landscape beautifully, making viewers feel as if they’re on the beach vacation alongside the characters.

The casting is also impeccable, with Langlet, Dombasle, and Greggory offering memorable performances that successfully bring their characters to life, giving Pauline at the Beach its realism and believability. While Langlet's performance as the observant Pauline is commendably simple and genuine, Dombasle's portrayal of Marion as the complex and somewhat insecure woman is strikingly sincere. Greggory as Pierre adds humor with his opportunistic approach towards romance. The nuanced performances of the actors give the storyline its distinctive flavor.

One of the most appealing aspects of Pauline at the Beach is how Rohmer manages to resist veering into melodrama, despite the romantic entanglements of the plot. Instead, he approaches the characters and their romantic trysts with a refreshing light-heartedness. His portrayal of young love through Pauline’s perspective is particularly praiseworthy, capturing her innocent curiosity, bewilderment, and discovery beautifully.

In conclusion, Pauline at the Beach is not just a simple lighthearted romance or a tale of a teenage girl's coming-of-age. It's a profound exploration of the various facets of love, delving into the depths of romantic relationships and human behavior. Roguish mistakes, heartache, and jealousy co-existing with the joyous rush of young love all contribute to making this film a standout. With Rohmer's excellent direction, strong performances, and a compelling narrative, Pauline at the Beach is a classic piece of French cinema that continues to be relatable and resonate with viewers globally.