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Through the two movies, Ridicule and Queen Margot, we get many different insights into the way life was in 16 th and 18 th century France. The movies showcase culture and society through the characters and events, while also going deep into what life might have been like in the time period. Both films use cases of class struggle and separation to bring to light the true human spirit of the age. Ridicule, taking place about two hundred years later than Queen Margot, shows 18 th century French royalty and the lifestyle they live at Versailles; eating glorious meals and exchanging wit among each other.
Queen Margot, on the other hand, is centered on the wedding of Margot, a Catholic, and a Protestant. Violence erupts in Paris in a fight for power over 16 th century France. Though these movies both depict significantly different lives, relationships and time periods in history, they both portray some very similar characters, stories and inherent human qualities. Through the actions of the characters and the events that occur, both movies show very well that in these cultures, although much in life was determined by class and money, deep external forces guided by God or love or even human instinct could surpass any class barrier, or social or religious predicament. Furthermore, the movies show that be it 16 th century or 18 th century France, people are people outside of their culture, no matter what. In the movie Ridicule, we are taken into the world of the French countryside in the 18 th century.
The story opens with shots of the swamp that the peasants work in. The movie shows broad open spaces of nature with water and workers in the foreground and trees on the horizon. The scene depicted is very rural and almost primitive. Bland colors and a hazy sky give the viewer a feeling of the tough lives these people must have lived.
In the foreground the people working are muddy and wet and wearing dirty clothes. As the movie cuts to the opening scenes of the royalty, there is an immediate shift to these bright, vibrant settings of Versailles. Some of the camera shots include sights of the magnificent fountains and gardens. Along with the vivid colors of clothing and surroundings, a very different lifestyle is portrayed. People are garnished extravagantly with dress and make-up. An example of the different lifestyle is shown right away as the Madame is being powdered before she is dressed by servants.
The final element of the background world that really sets up the movie is the flower garden and the well where Ponceludon and Mathilde meet. The images that these settings show are very powerful and innocent at the same time. The spaces are not very open as there are trees around the garden, but the flowers brighten the foreground and give a sense that for the time the two are free from the other events that are going on in their lives. These backgrounds and settings follow the feelings and experiences of the characters and the story very well.
In the opening scene, the viewer is shown sickness in the old peasant in the swamp. Between this shot and the ones following at Versailles, we are shown an immediate class distinction between the peasants and the court society. The colors and moods of each scene mimic this shift very well. Physically, the peasants are working to get by while the aristocrats are exchanging witty jokes with no regard whatsoever for the poor. The court itself is an established institution in the society. Some people are invited in and others are never to be in.
Those inside follow very picky rules of manner and taste. All the dialogue written in the film is very extravagant as well, which mimics the culture and the characters. The distinction between the rich and the poor in this movie is farther developed. It is determined by a class representation and not on individual terms.
Bellegrade shows hospitality to an injured Ponceludon. This act shows us a lot. Bellegrade acts on human spirit here not on the laws of the court. This is very important, because he helps one in need.
This act counters the behavior of the masses in the court as they constantly ignore the troubles of the poor. Ponceludon represents an idea of hope in the movie both to the poor and the viewer. He is persistent with the doctor and soon befriended by him. His wit gains him access to the court and he uses it as he perseveres to get help for his people. Once in, he soon meets Mathilde.
He finds her at the well testing a diving suit. There is a white rabbit inside the suit that is wet. The rabbit is shown very symbolically in their relationship, as she tells him that she doesnt believe in love. Finally we see what the court stands for. Aside from the wit and the superficial value of the clothes and settings, the court kills peoples compassion. Those who love and respect as individuals will do only what will help their own status when inside the court.
People will do most anything for respect and turn away most anyone who cannot socially benefit them. These three main themes in the film show both deep meaning to the events of the story and in reflection of the lifestyle in the time period. The way that wit plays out in the movie is very symbolic of what is really important in the culture when boiled down. Inside the court, wit is praised.
Wit is relished as though it is a virtue. It is not something that is faked for status for it is a measure of intellect. However how wit is used is different. The doctor tells Ponceludon, Honesty and wit are rarely joined. So it seems almost hypocritical that a measure like wit be so important. This shows that there is something very superficial about the way the noble society acts in this culture.
The rules and traditions of the witty society, for example, Ponceludon being told never to laugh with his mouth open, are not virtuous at all. Wit in this society reflects a means of human desire to gain power or acceptance. This is very different from the events that take place outside of the court on personal levels. When Ponceludon meets Mathilde, you can almost see love between the two.
There is no pretending and no showing off for acceptance; merely the two talking. Some external force brought them together and their interest pushes them onward. The image of the diving suit is a very visual metaphor for their relationship. At first it seems as nothing. The suit isnt even water tight, but through the film, it remains a project and the two begin to work on it together. They fix the leaks and eventually get it to work for extended periods of time.
At first, there is no way for these two to be together. Ponceludon is a poor man and Mathilde the fiance of a wealthy noble. As they come closer they must work through obstacles, as with the suit, to make it work. In the end, they find true love in each other and take their place out of court as lovers.
Finally, compassion shines through in this movie. The court becomes accepting and seems to, without a particular reason or push, find compassion. Villi court is termed fraudulent in his wit gets him sent to jail. He doesnt really understand why he aims to be witty other than for his own benefit, and in the end he pays for it.
The best example of compassion is that of the deaf and mute. They are thought of as half-wits and shunned in society. As the man presents the wo...
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Research essay sample on Film Analysis Of Ridicule And Queen Margot
