PROMISE AT DAWN
US/France, 1970, 102 minutes, Colour.
Melina Mercouri, Assaf Dayan, Jean Martin, Jules Dassin.
Directed by Jules Dassin.
Novelist Romain Gary wrote a memoir of his mother. What a mother! A Russian actress whose life was dedicated to her illegitimate son, an actress on stage and off, full of exuberance and cunning charm that delights, makes the audience laugh as well as feel sorry for this obsessed mother and her pampered and pushed child. At least this is how she comes across in the magnificent portrayal by Melina Mercouri, a performance worth seeking out for its intense humanity in extravagant settings and situations. Jules Dassin pleasingly evokes early 20th century Russia, Poland and France, but the film belongs to his wife, Miss Mercouri.
1. The significance of the title - its irony?
2. The style of the film and its structure ? the effectiveness of the flashback technique, the use of colour, stills, distorting lens etc. Did these add to or detract from the impact of the film? How? The snowy Leningrad and sandy Nice?
3. A likable film or not? How does the answer to the question depend on one's response to Nina and to Melina Mercouri's portrayal of Nina? Why?
4. How human and humane was this film? How humorous?
5. What image of motherhood did the film present? How desirable? What was wrong with Nina's ambitions for her son - dancing, playing the violin, French lessons.. schools and tutors?
6. What effect did this upbringing have on Romain - spoilt? effective? selfish? e.g. his sexual encounters?
7. What kind of a woman was Nina in herself ? her work in films, the touring troupe, the Cracow salon,, her exposure, her work in Nice? Melina Mercouri's dominance and voraciously energetic living of life as embodied in her portrayal of Nina?
8. Nina's relationship with Romain's father?
9. Romain at war. How did this change him? Did he grow up? How?
10. Were you surprised at Nina’s arrangements for the letters? What did this reveal about her? Its effect on Romain?
11. Did you enjoy this film? Is it a memorable film? Why?
