by René Clément

POSTED ON OCTOBER 18 2022

Gérard Philipe was a huge star and dashing leading man in French cinema in the 1950s, but he nevertheless hated playing romantic characters in movies.

This is why he played a series of particularly cynical and disillusioned roles, notably with the female characters he incessantly and effortlessly seduced in ‘The Grand Maneuver’, ‘Lovers of Paris’, ‘Les Liaisons dangereuses’, and ‘Knave of Hearts/Lovers, Happy Lovers!’. This movie by René Clément, featuring dialogue by Raymond Queneau, is one of the best of its kind, an outstanding portrait of a small-time adventurer who uses women as much as he can, and, in return, he also ultimately serves them. Gérard Philipe, brilliant in his role, is extraordinary in his naturalness, devoid of scruples and illusions.

Monsieur Ripois, 1954 © DR  

Dragged through the streets of London in glorious, almost documentary-like scenes, he becomes unexpectedly and sublimely pathetic. René Clément uses the actor's almost gangly body and suave, melancholy voice, focused on his character who basically believes in nothing but tries everything. Monsieur Ripois then poses this dead-end question: what do you do when you’re never touched by love? In this film, Gérard Philipe finds one of his most self-aware roles, fascinating to the end, and extremely moving, thanks to his unglamorous frankness.

 
Virginie Apiou

Screenings:

Lovers, Happy Lovers!/ Knave of Hearts by René Clément (Monsieur Ripois, 1954, 1h44)
Villa Lumière Tue. 18 4:30pm | Pathé Bellecour Fri. 21 7pm