A Tale of Springtime

Rohmer’s stated intention with ‘The Tales Of The Four Seasons’ was to “focus on attractive, intelligent, self-absorbed if not entirely self-aware young women who present their dilemmas with clarity and elegance and express their feelings in inspired and witty dialogue.” In this first instalment, philosophy teacher Jeanne (Anne Teyssèdre) strikes up a friendship with college student Natacha (Florence Darel), who offers her a place to stay while her own apartment is temporarily occupied. Disapproving of her father’s current partner, Natacha tries to manoeuvre him and Jeanne into a relationship. The development of well-rounded characters is everything here as Rohmer allows events to unfold at their own pace.