Le petit théâtre de Jean Renoir. 1970. Italy/France. Written and directed by Jean Renoir. Written and directed by Jean Renoir. With Nino Formicola, Milly Monty, Jeanne Moreau. 35mm. In French; English subtitles. 100 min.
Consisting of four different episodes, each dealing with the theme “c’est la revolution,” Le petit théâtre de Jean Renoir is full of the director’s trademark wit. Renoir’s final completed work, it encompasses the stylistic progression of his career seamlessly. With an air of dark humor, each vignette focuses on the stages of love, the evolution of relationships, and the existential connection between people—while Renoir himself acts as master of ceremonies. The film premiered on French television in December 1970, and had a theatrical release in October 1975.