After being charmed by Gigi (1949-also reviewed) I decided to look at the other credits of auteur film maker Jacqueline Audry. Finding this to be the second oldest title by Audry to have English subtitles,I got set to meet Olivia.
View on the film:
Previously adapting the Colette novel Gigi with her husband, directing auteur Jacqueline Audry widens family involvement and a "Colette" connection, in her sister Colette Audry joining Jacqueline's husband/regular corroborator Pierre Laroche, in adapting Dorothy Bussy's autobiographical novel, into a heart-felt, blossoming screenplay.
Displaying a interest in defying the norms of this era of cinema which would become a major characteristic of Jacqueline Audry's works, the screenplay by Colette Audry and Pierre Laroche welcomes Olivia into a open school where a romantic Melodrama atmosphere hangs high,with a magical touch of poetic realism giving the exchanges between Julie and Olivia a hushed romantic aura under the skin.
Book-ended their adaptation with horse carriage rides,the writers track Olivia riding into a rich coming of age,via the one-upmanship between Julie and Cara at the boarding school, to be the teacher of affection from the pupil,which widens for Julie to that of student Olivia.
Featuring only two scenes involving men, directing auteur Jacqueline Audry and A Kiss for a Killer (1957-also reviewed) cinematographer Christian Matras unveil an exquisite atmosphere of light as a feather tracking shots down the school halls capturing the students and teachers bonding, which Audry twists into loving corner shot's and deep close-ups upon Olivia's lingering gaze at Julie.
Joined by a wonderful Simone Simon as the passionate Cara, Edwige Feuillere and debut actress Marie-Claire Olivia give magnificent performances as Julie and Olivia,with each of them expressing with a stunning precision the romantic longing which hangs in the air unsaid,as Olivia receives an education.
View on the film:
Previously adapting the Colette novel Gigi with her husband, directing auteur Jacqueline Audry widens family involvement and a "Colette" connection, in her sister Colette Audry joining Jacqueline's husband/regular corroborator Pierre Laroche, in adapting Dorothy Bussy's autobiographical novel, into a heart-felt, blossoming screenplay.
Displaying a interest in defying the norms of this era of cinema which would become a major characteristic of Jacqueline Audry's works, the screenplay by Colette Audry and Pierre Laroche welcomes Olivia into a open school where a romantic Melodrama atmosphere hangs high,with a magical touch of poetic realism giving the exchanges between Julie and Olivia a hushed romantic aura under the skin.
Book-ended their adaptation with horse carriage rides,the writers track Olivia riding into a rich coming of age,via the one-upmanship between Julie and Cara at the boarding school, to be the teacher of affection from the pupil,which widens for Julie to that of student Olivia.
Featuring only two scenes involving men, directing auteur Jacqueline Audry and A Kiss for a Killer (1957-also reviewed) cinematographer Christian Matras unveil an exquisite atmosphere of light as a feather tracking shots down the school halls capturing the students and teachers bonding, which Audry twists into loving corner shot's and deep close-ups upon Olivia's lingering gaze at Julie.
Joined by a wonderful Simone Simon as the passionate Cara, Edwige Feuillere and debut actress Marie-Claire Olivia give magnificent performances as Julie and Olivia,with each of them expressing with a stunning precision the romantic longing which hangs in the air unsaid,as Olivia receives an education.