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!
