Movie of the Week – Rules of the Game

Rules of the Game | Jean Renoir | 1939

Robert Altman famously said, ‘Rules of the Game taught me the rules of the game.’ And to watch Altman’s films, there’s no doubt about it.

Let me explain that:

Rules of the Game doesn’t lack in character or plot. Between the pilot, his love, her husband, their friend, the randy staff – there’s a lot going on. And it’s a little much to take in one viewing.

That doesn’t mean the film is hard to watch. In fact, it’s a pleasure to watch. Jean Renoir’s mastery here is his ability to give each and every character clear motivations, clear goals. A film that’s seemingly complicated by the amount of characters, is so easily simplified by direction.

Enjoy.