An Autumn Tale

Eric Rohmer's films are never less than charming. Sometimes, they are more. Not often.

This is the last in his Four Seasons series. It tells of Magali (Beatrice Romand), a fortysomething winemaker in the South of France, and how two of her friends try to set her up with a suitable man, now that her children have flown the nest.

There is much chitter-chatter and amusing goings on, as Isabelle (Marie Riviere), a married neighbour, and Rosine (Alexia Portal), Magali's son's ex-girlfriend, are unaware that each are matchmaking. Meanwhile, Magali is becoming increasingly suspicious and difficult. Alain Libolt, as the middle-aged salesman who answers Isabelle's lonely hearts advertisement, beautifully portrays the insecurity and soggy romanticism of someone who has forgotten how to talk to women. It is an inspired performance.

The film is fresh, light and dry, not full-bodied perhaps, but pleasant on the eye. It is the people who make Rohmer's films flow. That and sexual chemistry.