That Night in Varennes

That Night in Varennes is a captivating historical drama film from 1982, directed by Ettore Scola. The movie is based on the historical novel "The Gods Will Have Blood" (Les dieux ont soif) by Anatole France. The film's original Italian title is "Il mondo nuovo" which translates to "The New World".

The movie is set against the fascinating backdrop of the French Revolution. It explores a critical event in the history of France - King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette's attempted flight to Varennes from Paris, a getaway that would have changed the course of the Revolution had it been successful. The title, "That Night in Varennes", resonates with the same sense of urgency and anticipation which features heavily in the narrative.

The focus of the film is not on the king and queen directly but circles around four diverse characters who chance upon each other in a shared carriage on the way to Varennes for different reasons. They cross paths with the royal fugitives without their knowledge and eventually find themselves at the heart of a historical event.

The character set is intriguing and varied. We have Jean-Louis Barrault cast as the aging libertine and author Restif de la Bretonne whose interest in common people and their lives, draws him toward revolutionary ideas. Marcello Mastroianni plays Casanova, known for his lavish lifestyle and romantic exploits, who is shown in this movie as an aging diplomat seeking solace in the old monarchy. Then there is Hanna Schygulla, playing a renowned German Countess devoted to the French monarchy who uses this trip to fulfill her political affiliations. Last but not least is a revolutionary, yet-unknown American pamphleteer, Thomas Paine, played by Harvey Keitel. These characters act as witnesses to the unfolding drama, lending different perspectives to the tale.

At its core, That Night in Varennes is a perceptive exploration of the conflicts and transformations that define historical inflection points. While on the surface, it appears to be an adventure story, delving in reveals a tale that is profound with its political, social, and philosophical musing.

Ettore Scola manages to blend comedic and dramatic elements in a balanced manner and unveils the story in a way that's entertaining and educative at once. He wonderfully captures the class, the political and social dynamics of the age, by focusing on the glittering salons of the aristocrats and the grimy backstreets where the revolutionaries conspire. The cinematography reflects the dichotomy of the era and vividly encapsulates the period's atmosphere. The film's aesthetics comprise opulent costumes, scenic landscapes, elegant indoor settings, and busy streets - presenting a seductive portrait of an era on the brink of momentous change.

The leading performances are remarkable too. Jean-Louis Barrault impresses with his nuanced depiction of a somewhat quirky, yet watchful character who brings a strong sense of humor to the otherwise dark narrative. Equally compelling is Marcello Mastroianni's Casanova, who is painted with empathy and embodies the nostalgia for a fast-disappearing world. Hanna Schygulla is commanding as the daring German countess, and Harvey Keitel delivers with his portrayal of a young American idealist, foretelling the rise of a new political order. Their dynamic interactions add further depth and variety to the overarching narrative.

While That Night in Varennes might not offer direct historical lessons, it subtly unfolds layers of a complex historical event and the sentiments surrounding it. It comments on how individuals often negotiate with history in progress, while being oblivious to their role and its implications.

The movie has successfully invoked interest around the globe and has received tremendous critical acclaim, mainly for its unique storytelling approach, compelling performances, and its rich visual appeal, which beautifully encapsulates an era bygone.

In conclusion, That Night in Varennes is a fine cinematic exploration of a pivotal time in French history, offering viewers a thought-provoking journey through a night rich in dramatic potential and historical significance. With its strong performances, expert direction, and successful blending of history and fiction, the film serves as a definite must-watch for admirers of historical cinema and fans of character-driven narrative.