The Widow Couderc

This is my favourite from Pierre Granier Deferre, besides LA HORSE, LE TRAIN and LE CHAT. The story itself, the topic is not so unusual, only the character study and relationship is riveting. Watch out for the lines between Simone Signoret and Alain Delon, before the other film they make together two years later: LES GRANGES BRULEES. This movie is adapted from a George Simenon's book, which I have never read, but this film is poignant, sad, downbeat, in the seventies fashion. Simone Signoret is here at her peak, as powerful as she was in LE CHAT, the very same year, this mature lady, so rough from the outside, who refuses to admit her love for Delon. Two so different people, the escaped convict and the widow, surrounded by nasty folks who don't understand them and wish them the worst. Two aginst the whole world. So subtle, everything unsaid is more convincing than any words or even acts. A strong story telling.

Wow: Delon, Signoret, Simenon - and it's an almost total dud. Virtually not a single thing happens for the first 75 minutes of the movie. No, scratch that: Delon sports a terrible moustache in the first half, but he later shaves it off; that IS an important moment. Even the title is uninviting. * out of 4.

Pierre Granier Deferre is a famous director of thriller films.Apart from scoring admirable box office success most of his films have also been hailed by critics.In the history of French cinema it can be said that "La Veuve Couderc" will be hailed as one of the most successful adaptations of a George Simenon novel.It is a film in which nothing is left to chance.As there is a strong emphasis on the portrayal of characters both small and large,we get to see some remarkable acting performances.Much of the film's brilliance comes from its portrayal of a French village.It is a nice thing that Pierre Granier Deferre has covered every minute detail of French provincial life.Alain Delon and Simone Signoret appear wonderful as ill fated lovers who revolt against old fashioned values of French society.La Veuve Couderc is a film for those people who value the importance of love.In many ways it is similar to Ali fear eats the soul directed by Fassbinder.

This movie is a miscast for both Signoret and Delon. I can understand that Signoret, needed the money and took this option. THere is nothing wrong with that. As for Alain Delon, who performed in "Cercle Rouge" made in the previous year, by Jean-Pierre Melville. This is an almost a replay. And a bad one. Mr. Pierre Grasnier Deferre is a second (if not third) rate French Director. I never read the novel by Simenon. I do not believe he is the culprit, but I admit I can be wrong. You want more lines. Here They are. Octavia Piccolo has a child and breast feeds him. The movie shows Virgin nipples. Pierre Grasnier Defferre never knew a virgin. Maybe he likes widows. Nothing wrong.

Simenon adaptation, it is remarkable for the lead actors performance. for the images from a France who seems be lost today. for the force of message. and, sure, for the silence slices. a beautiful film, splendid artistic duel between Simone Signoret and Alain Delon, bitter, cold, fragile, delicate, demonstration of high talent and wise discover of story nuances. a young man, a middle age widow and few days. a love story in different form , not just as forbidden one but as image of a fundamental change. one of films who can seduce the viewer not for story or for acting but for something who defines the frame of details. a reflection support. and one of really good acting demonstrations.