Simone de Beauvoir Movies
Philosopher Simone de Beauvoir is best known for her two feminist books, The Second Sex and Memoirs of a Dutiful Daughter. In 1979, her five-decade relationship with Jean-Paul Sartre was the subject of a documentary. Her own life was documented on film in 1984. In addition to writing, de Beauvoir also taught philosophy at universities. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide- 1995
This European drama is adapted from Simone de Beauvioir's novel of the same name. It is set in post WW II France and tells the story of renowned theatrical actress, Regina, a temperamental diva who feels a great hole in her life until she goes on a provincial tour and meets an enigmatic stranger who is too busy looking inward to notice the world around him. Regina becomes obsessed with this man, and learns that he is an amnesiac. She follows him, and eventually they hesitantly begin an affair. Much of the story centers around their resulting conversations about love, life and death. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1988
Virginia (Lea Massati) is shocked to learn her 25-year marriage to Maurizio (Erland Josephson) is plagued by his philandering betrayal in this distaff tear-jerking drama. She finds solace in her two daughters and Silvano (Jean-Luc Consuelo), her longtime admirer, a cellist in the local symphony. Virginia also tries to help a troubled runaway teen, with little success, and tries to move forward with her once-idyllic life that has been shattered by her husband's infidelity. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lea Massari, Erland Josephson, (more)
- 1984
Produced on behalf of the HBO cable service, The Blood of Others is a rare venture into English-language filmmaking by Claude Chabrol. Set during World War II, the film stars Jodie Foster and Michael Ontkean as a pair of French resistance fighters. If you can swallow that, then you'll accept New Zealand native Sam Neill as a German businessman. Chabrol's wife Stephane Audran costars as Gigi, while other prominent members of the cast include Alexandra Stewart, Jean-Pierre Aumont and Micheline Presle. Oh, yes, the plot: based on a novel by Simone de Beauvoir, The Blood of Others concerns Jodie Foster's confused loyalties: should she continue in her underground activities, or succumb to the charms of the seemingly civilized Neill? This French-Canadian coproduction was originally telecast August 23, 1984. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jodie Foster, Michael Ontkean, (more)
- 1978
This award-winning French documentary profiles world-class feminist existentialist philosopher Simone de Beauvoir (1908-1986), author of The Ethics of Ambiguity (1948), The Second Sex (1949), and the acclaimed novel The Mandarins (1954). Directed by Josée Dayan and Malka Robowska, the program features archival footage, as well as conversations with Beauvoir reflecting on various topics, including her philosophical positions, her love affair with philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, and her friendship with philosopher Albert Camus. Simone de Beauvoir won the Red Ribbon at the American Film and Video Festival. The program is in French with English subtitles. ~ Steve Blackburn, All Movie Guide
- 1976
The French title of this feature-length documentary (filmed in 1976, released in the US six years later), is Sartre par lui meme. In English and French, the point is made. The focus is of course on the famed French existentialist author/ poet/ playwright/ philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-80). Sartre himself appears on screen from time to time, discussing-but, wisely, never thoroughly explaining--his outlook on life. The film was codirected by longtime Sartre admirer Alexandre Astruc and Michel Contat. At 190 minutes, Sartre by Himself will probably appeal most to those already familiar with Sartre's works. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
