Is S'il vous plaît... la mer? Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1979)
On a deserted beach bordered by the sea, three characters make incomprehensible movements that sound will later explain. At the same time as these images, some characters dialogue. A couple and a young girl - their daughter? - who remains mute. A dialogue of a great platitude where it is literally question of the rain and the good weather. We then realize that the mute daughter is staging - on the beach - the mother who refuses her desire and the father who makes it impossible. At the end of the film, we see the "parents" at the water's edge leaving the girl alone again.
✨ The Quick Verdict
If you are a fan of cinema, then S'il vous plaît... la mer? offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1979 landscape.
👥 Target Audience
📔 Detailed Analysis
The Narrative Arc & Core Premise
S'il vous plaît... la mer?, a standout production of 1979, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Modern Cinema landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into On a deserted beach bordered by the sea, three characters make incomprehensible movements that sound will later explain. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Modern Cinema are tested.
The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "On a deserted beach bordered by the sea, three characters make incomprehensible movements that sound will later explain. At the same time as these images, some characters dialogue. A couple and a young girl - their daughter? - who remains mute. A dialogue of a great platitude where it is literally question of the rain and the good weather. We then realize that the mute daughter is staging - on the beach - the mother who refuses her desire and the father who makes it impossible. At the end of the film, we see the "parents" at the water's edge leaving the girl alone again."
Artistic Execution & Performance Study
A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Micheline Presle, the performance in S'il vous plaît... la mer? feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.
The direction by Martine Lancelot is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 75 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.
Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch
Is S'il vous plaît... la mer? truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Modern Cinema, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.
The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 0/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.
Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision
At a deeper level, S'il vous plaît... la mer? explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1979 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Martine Lancelot respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.
The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.
Final Editorial Recommendation
Ultimately, S'il vous plaît... la mer? is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Micheline Presle or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, S'il vous plaît... la mer? is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.
⏳ Time Investment
At approximately 1.3 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.