The Collector (1967)

Director: Eric Rohmer
Stars: Patrick Bauchau, Haydée Politoff, Daniel Pommereulle
Runtime: 89 minutes

Synopsis: A womanizing art dealer and a painter find the serenity of their Riviera vacation disturbed by a third guest, a vivacious bohemian woman known for her long list of male conquests.

Verdict: With “The Collector”, or its more appropriate female-specific original title “La Collectionneuse”, being only my second experience with an Eric Rohmer project, it’s still probably too early to make up my mind about the French director, considered a pillar of the French New Wave era of Cinema. But a recurring feeling I got from his 1967 color film debut and “Claire’s Knee” is one of relaxation and tranquility, all due to the exquisite summer vibes captured by the filmmaker. Between a sense of unmatched freedom and gorgeous scenery composed of luscious greenery and beaches, he truly invites the audience to partake in a trip of absolute meditation and escapism filled with lessons of morality.

In “La Collectionneuse”, Rohmer introduces us to a trifecta of complex characters invited to share a vacation house near St Tropez. Adrien, Daniel, and Haydée mostly differ in their conflicting views on fulfillment, inner-peace, and love. It doesn’t take long for their philosophies to clash, resulting in tensions in the household but also the foundation of growing emotions between the three characters. This unusual bond, mostly experienced through the eyes of Adrien, is used to further establish a link between romantic relationships and stoicism to eventually question the ancient Greek doctrine’s efficiency when it comes to finding the key to optimal sexual satisfaction.

“La Collectionneuse” may be easy on the eyes, but its themes will unquestionably send you down a path of substantial reflection. I’m certain that a rewatch will benefit my intake on the lessons to be drawn from it and, with a runtime of 89 minutes that flies by, Rohmer made sure to leave the door of the villa wide open for an eventual revisit.

FINAL GRADE: 7/10