Manon des Sources

In honor of Claude Berri (who passed away this past Monday), the French film director who produced Jean de Florette and Manon des Sources, we are using this short "inter-quarter" week to talk about his work and to watch Manon. At least 3 or 4 of France's greatest film stars appear in this film (Yves Montand, Daniel Auteuil, Emmanuelle Beart). It is the sequel to Jean de Florette, starring Gerard Depardieu as Jean.

Having lived in Provence for many years, it is hard to watch this film and not have la nostalgie! Montand is a native Marseillais and his portrayal of the crusty, old Cesar Soubeyran is majestic. Auteil as Ugolin is also brilliant. Beart, as Manon, doesn't say much, but her character is based more on observance than dialogue.

By the way, this was Montand's last film (for which he won a César). It was also the first big commercial success for both Beart and Auteuil. Did you know that Ugolin finally got his Manon in the end? Beart and Auteuil were a couple for about ten years until they divorced in the mid-1990's! Montand was married to film actress, Simone Signoret, but he also had a fling with Marilyn Monroe (who didn't?). You Mission Impossible fans may remember Ms. Beart from that blockbuster.

HOMEWORK
- Workbook p. 88 (due Wed. 1/28/09)
- Continue working on Vocab Card rings for Unit 4 (due Tue. 1/27/09)
- Study Vocab from pp. 138, 140, 142, 144, 147 (Quiz Wed. 1/28/09)