THE GIRL FROM PARIS/ UNE HIRONDELLE A FAIT LE PRINTEMPS
France, 2001, 103 minutes, Colour.
Mathilde Seigner, Michel Serrault, Jean- Paul Roussilon.
Directed by Christian Carion.
The Girl From Paris is an attractive psychological portrait of a young woman who leaves her job working for an Internet company and goes to work as a farmer in the Southern Alps, as well as a portrait of an ageing farmer who takes her in as his apprentice. The film is strong because of the performance of Mathilde Seigner as the young woman and veteran Michelle Serrault (Dr Popaul as well as the Cage au Folles films). The film was written by Christan Carrion who also directed it. He is the son of parents who are farmers and also studied at the Department of Agriculture. He writes this portrait of people working on a farm with conviction.
The film shows the interaction between the young woman and the old man, friendship, suspicion, animosity. When the old man suffers a mild heart attack, he wants the young woman to take over. They become friends. However, the work is too hard and the young woman decides to return home to Paris, to her family and her boyfriend. It looks as though she will not come back
The film is in the French tradition of understated character portraits. It has the advantage, not only of the performances, but of interesting Paris locations and beautiful alpine scenery.
The director went on to have great success with Joyeaux Noel and Farewell.
1. The film designed for French audiences? The delighted response? The impact for the world audience?
2. The English title and its being prosaic? The French title, the swallow and the making of a spring – or not?
3. The work of the director, his subsequent career and success?
4. The city of Paris, homes, workplaces, computer instruction? The world of study and universities?
5. The contrast with the French countryside, the Alps and the Rhône, the farm, the barn and the accommodation? The goats and the cheese? The animals, treatment of the animals,
animal slaughter? The seasons? The musical score?
6. Sandrine in herself, her success with her work, instructing the students, the change of heart, studying farming, her success?
7. Adrien, the old man, his farm, during World War II, selling, but wanting to stay, the memories of his wife and her death, of the Nazis and the destruction of the farm, the mad cow disease and the repercussions? His character, remaining, wary of Sandrine? His interfering with the electricity – but ultimately wanting companionship?
8. Jean, selling his farm, his car, Pharaoh, his dog? Driving around, interest in Sandrine? Warning her about Adrien and the farm?
9. The experiences on the farm? The winter harshness, Adrien and Sandrine together? The visit to Paris, giving the classes, meeting Gerard, the past relationship, the temptation to stay?
10. The return, her skills and the prospect for her future and success?
