I marvel at the ensemble acting in the movie, but the performance that stays in my mind is that of Marcel Dalio as wealthy aristocrat Robert de la Chesnaye. Dalio’s finest moment is in the film’s most famous scene where Robert proudly presents a large, ornate mechanical organ to guests gathered at his chateau. But soon shots are fired, and the organ ceases playing “Die Fledermaus” and begins producing a cacophonous racket. Incidentally, Dalio also appears in Renoir’s Grand Illusion, and fans of American classic films will recognize him as the croupier in Casablanca.
I found The Rules of the Game entertaining the very first time I saw it, and as I’ve watched it on VHS tape repeatedly over the last several years, my enjoyment has increased. I’m thrilled to own the Criterion Collection DVD version of the movie, and the two-disc set comes with a rich selection of bonus materials that have further enhanced my appreciation of this great film. I’ve listed below the special features provided on the DVDs.
Selected Special Features:
- Two-Disc Set
- Full-Screen (1.33:1)
- French Monaural
- English Subtitles
- Video Introduction by Jean Renoir
- Feature-Length Scholarly Audio Commentary Written by Alexander Sesonske
- Short Version Ending
- Version Comparison by Film Historian Chris Faulkner
- Analysis of the Shooting Script
- Analysis of Selected Scenes by Film Historian Chris Faulkner
- French TV Program (First Aired in 1967) Featuring Renoir Discussing Movie
- BBC TV Documentary (1993) About Renoir’s Life and Work Through 1940
- Video Essay by Chris Faulkner on Production, Release, and Reconstruction of Movie
- Interview with Men Who Reconstructed Movie
- Interview with Set Designer Max Douy
- Interview with Actress Mila Parély (Played Robert’s Mistress)
- Interview with Jean Renoir’s Son Alain, Former Cameraman
- Text Tributes by Famous Writers and Directors
- 24-Page Booklet Containing Material Related to Movie
- DVD Release Date: January 20, 2004
