Watch Le Plaisir

Le Plaisir is a French film from 1952 directed by the legendary filmmaker, Max Ophuls. The movie stars Jean Gabin, Danielle Darrieux, and Simone Simon in lead roles. The film is based on a collection of stories by the French author, Guy de Maupassant, and it explores themes of love, desire, and pleasure. As the title suggests, the movie is a celebration of joy and happiness, but it's also an exercise in exploring the complicated nature of human emotions. The film is divided into three vignettes, each one depicting a different story, but all of them are connected by the thread of pleasure. In the first story, titled "The Mask," Jean Gabin plays the owner of a dancehall, where men go to be entertained by young women. One night, a group of drunken soldiers arrives, and they start harassing the women. Gabin's character decides to intervene, and he manages to put a stop to their behavior. However, he's left shaken by the experience and decides to close down the dancehall. The story explores the power dynamics between men and women, as well as the ways in which pleasure can also be a form of escape. The second story, "The House of Madame Tellier," follows the lives of the women who work at a brothel. Danielle Darrieux plays the Madame of the house, a woman who's kind and caring towards her employees, but who's also worried about her sister's reputation. The story takes place during a trip to the countryside, where Madame Tellier and her girls attend a family wedding. The story explores themes of love, jealousy, and the struggle to find happiness in an unconventional setting. The third and final story, "The Model," centers on a painter, played by Daniel Gelin, who falls in love with his model, played by Simone Simon. The story is a tragic one, as the painter is unable to appreciate the model's beauty outside of her role as a muse. The story explores the theme of objectification, as well as the idea that beauty is fleeting and fragile. Throughout the movie, Max Ophuls showcases his impressive visual style, which incorporates innovative camera movements and elegant tracking shots. The film's use of color is also noteworthy, as each story is shot in a different palette, which serves to highlight the emotional tone of each segment. Overall, Le Plaisir is a masterful exploration of the complexities of life and love, as well as a celebration of the beauty of pleasure. The film's three stories are skillfully interwoven, and the performances by Gabin, Darrieux, and Simon are all excellent. The movie is a must-see for fans of French cinema or anyone who enjoys a thoughtful and engaging storytelling.