Summary
In 17th century France, a brilliant court musician, Marin Marais, reflects on his tutelage
under the great viola player, Monsieur de Sainte Colombe. Then a young man, Marin
was initially rejected by Sainte Colombe, but managed to win the heart of his daughter,
Madeleine. With Madeleine’s support, Marin becomes a fine musician and finally wins
the respect of Sainte Colombe. Then, one day, Marin grows tired of Madeleine...
Review
Based on a real-life story, Tous les matins du monde is a sombre, melancholic study
about two men’s obsession to achieve perfection in their musical art. The puritanical
stoicism of Sainte Colombe, preferring to play before his hens and geese, contrasts
with the empty grandeur of the royal court musicians, to which Marais aspires.
Whilst the film has some impressive production values (particularly the exceptional photography),
it is weighed down somewhat by its relentless mood of melancholia. This does feel
like a very slow film for its length, with long breaks in the dialogue. Indeed,
the viola music which punctuates the drama feels more eloquent than the dialogue.
Despite that, the film has some emotional impact - due in no small measure to its fine
ensemble of actors. A young Guillaume Depardieu, son of Gérard, plays the
young Marais with great maturity and subtlety, whilst his father gives a far more ebullient
- yet nonetheless emotionally charged - performance as the older Marais.
The award for the best performance, however, must go to Jean-Pierre Marielle as the reclusive
Sainte Colombe, a man haunted by memories of his dead wife and committed to attaining
perfection in his art. Marielle’s performance works so well because it is so subdued and
understated - the tragedy of his character’s life is, after all, painted on his face.
© James Travers 2000
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