Film du jour: Film of the Day

“Phèdre” – Racine

We are taking a bit of a detour today. Since we learned all about French emotional expression, why not channel our inner diva (or divo) and go to the (virtual) theatre today?

Along with Molière and Corneille, Jean Racine (1639-1699) is France’s answer to Shakespeare. His tragedies are numerous and full of pathos, and his tendency toward adapting famous Greek works further solidified his claim to fame as a tragedian and dramatist. Finding steady work throughout the 17^th century, he was made a member of l’académie française, worked closely with the king as treasurer and secretary, and even put on plays for the king’s children at the queen’s behest.

All that to say, he was, and still is, a pretty big deal. In terms of style, Racine was very minimalist for his time. He favored writing plays with few characters and very little action beyond dialog. As was in fashion at the time, he wrote in rhyming “alexandrine” verse, which boasted lines of twelve syllables. His use of this style allowed his polished, elegant dialog to shine. His plays focus on the misfortune of royalty intimately and unreservedly. Since his plays oftentimes pull from Greek tragedy, there is an overarching theme of lack of control over one’s destiny and inability to reverse prophecy.

Romance is almost always obsessional in his plays, making for some decidedly over-the-top drama. Some of his most famous plays are Andromaque (1667), Britannicus (1669), Iphigénie (1674), and Phèdre, but we will be focusing on Phèdre today. While her husband (Thésée, the King of Athens) is away, Phèdre expresses her forbidden love for Hippolyte, his son from another marriage. What ensues is juicy, juicy drama. Try to find Patrice Chereau’s adaptation of the famous play. The set design and costumes are startlingly modern in contrast with the style of speech. Dominique Blanc as “Phèdre” is a force to be reckoned with.

Musique du jour: Music of the Day

Cœur du Pirate

Coeur du Pirate (translated as “Pirate’s Heart”) is a Canadian songstress of high merit. Rising to fame for her sweet voice, thoughtful lyrics, and eclectic persona, she currently has the French music scene in the palm of her hand.

Also known as a competent composer and pianist, there is a lot to love about Coeur du Pirate. Her self-titled debut album is simple and piano-driven, while her sophomore offering, Blonde, has a grander scale with a ‘60s vibe. “Comme des Enfants,” “Adieu,” and “Place de la République” are all great places to start.

Oh, and her latest album is in English, so you can feel free to enjoy her in two languages. You’re welcome.

L’activite du jour: Activity of the Day

Poetry is highly revered in France. Just like English, there are a multitude of movements and styles that make up the French poetical canon. Today, we are going to focus on a famous poem by a modern poet. 

Jacques Prévert (1900-1977) was part of the French realist and surrealist movements. This means that he shunned traditional rhyming schemes and structure for simplicity and subtle impact. The poetic realist movement of the 1930s favored a nihilistic, dismal view on life, and much of Prévert’s poetry leans toward this. Even so, he also weaves together heartrendingly tender odes to admiring the small joys of life and the beauty of innocence. Here he is, in full form, with “Dejeuner du Matin.” There is an English translation below, but try to use your French dictionary first to piece out what he is saying.

Hint: There is a lot of passé compose.

Listen to Track 59