Claire's Knee (1970)
1h 45m | PG-13
On the eve of his wedding, on holiday on the Lake Annecy shore, a career diplomat visits an old acquaintance, perhaps a former girlfriend. Through her he meets an intense teenager, Laura, and then lusts after her sister, Claire. Whilst Laura attempts to flirt with him, his fantasy becomes focused on wanting to caress Claire's knee.
Director: Éric Rohmer
Studio: Les Films du Losange
Genre: Drama, Romance
Video: 720p
Cast
Jean-Claude Brialy
as Jérôme
Aurora Cornu
as Aurora, the novelist
Béatrice Romand
as Laura
Laurence de Monaghan
as Claire
Michèle Montel
as Madame Walter
Gérard Falconetti
as Gilles
Reviews
This reminded me of one of those instances in my life when even though I was in a monogamous relationship, that being human, I looked at another woman and wanted to be unfaithful. Though this isn't my favourite of Rohmer's works from an outstanding part of his career (that would have to be 'My Night at Maud's'), this would have to be right up there, and is recommended to anyone who appreciates excellence in foreign cinema, particularly from masters of the French New Wave. As well, that famous moment of the older man looking up the ladder and seeing the beautiful young woman's bare knee and feeling that longing has to be THE finest depiction of that feeling in all of movies. Glorious, heartfelt, extremely intrinsically rewarding work.