I couldn't think of a better way to spend a rainy night in New York this week than with a vintage French film. Les Choses de la Vie (The Things of Life) from 1970 is part of a series saluting director Claude Sautet a the Film Center Lincoln Center. It stars Romy Schneider as Helen, the mistress of architect Pierre, played by Michel Piccoli who works with his wife who may now be dating his friend. It centers around a car crash that Pierre has at the beginning of the film and flashes back and forth to moments in his life. It's about love, life, family, friends, also nothing at all. It was remade as Intersection with Richard Gere and Sharon Stone but don't let that deter you. The original version based on the novel by Paul Guimard is much better.
I was a little more interested in the clothing than the story though. In an era when over accessorizing and crazy outfits are all the rage, Romy Schneider's 1970's shift dresses and simple separates are a breath of fresh air. I now want to find a pair of frames that look exactly like the ones she wears as well as a monogrammed shirt. Style.com recently remarked on how often the word "chic" is thrown around these days, but I can say for sure that this film is truly chic.
The Things of Life will be playing again on Tuesday, August 7th and be sure to check the schedule for another Romy Schneider favorite Cesar et Rosalie at Film Center Lincoln Center.
Bon Weekend!
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11 comments:
I like seeing the furniture in the background...did you see the peacock chair in the terrace?
Romy Schneider was an extremely sensitive, beautiful, instinctive actress who lived a very sad and dramatic life. "Le vieux fusil" is my favourite film but it is set in WWII ...
She was such a natural beauty.
I will have to see this film.
Heather I had not thought of Romy in some time....she was wonderful, I must see this!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
2012 Artists Series
Romy's shift dresses--so emblematic of the mini, but what really intrigues me is the set design. I had a peacock chair just like the one on the terrace and the typewriter...but look at the secretaire, a telephone with a cord!! And boy did they smoke. Thank for a trip back to the 70's. Mary
Wow! I love it already! What a knockout she was,and you are spot on regarding the clothing she wore.Thanks for sharing.
What a beauty! I can still remember my mom telling me about her and her sad life, but she was one of Mom's favorite actresses.
YES to the frames and NO to the Mom Jeans...in front of the peacock chair :)
Romy Schneider was a marvellous, intelligent beautiful and thoughful actress. i will always miss her and her movies.I have seen les Choses de la vie so many times . She started as the famous Sissy empress which every young girl in france watched. I saw her last movie La Banquiere, almost 25 years ago, during an open air screen on the beach in Cap ferret..
She is the perfect mix of Charlotte Casiraghi and Daria werbowy!
My mom always used to tell me that Romy Schneider was one of the most beautiful actresses EVER. And now I see why!
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