Le Grand Amour (1969)

Caught in the humdrum of life, Pierre, a charismatic man in his twenties with a penchant for romantic adventures, finds himself entangled in a relationship with the vibrant Florence Girard. Their courtship, more a product of circumstance than passion, leads to marriage. Thrust into the world of tannery, the family business of Florence's father, Pierre finds his life to be a stark contrast to the exhilarating journey he'd dreamt of. The monotony of his existence and the daunting prospect of becoming a mirror image of his staid in-laws drive him back to his old habits, leading him to engage in a series of extramarital escapades. These dalliances, however, are mere distractions from the complexities of marriage, further complicated by his wife's uncanny resemblance to her mother. As Pierre drifts into his late thirties, a fresh wave of excitement engulfs him when he finds himself infatuated with his new eighteen-year-old secretary, Agnès. This newfound affection stirs questions within him - is this love? Does Agnès feel the same way? And what does Florence truly feel about their decade-long marriage? "Le Grand Amour" is a poignant exploration of a man's struggle with his middle-class existence, yearning for excitement and grappling with the true essence of love and commitment. As Pierre stands at the crossroads of his life, he must decide whether to succumb to his dreams or confront the reality of his choices. The film captures the intricate web of relationships, subtle emotions, and the relentless quest for happiness in the most ordinary of lives.

Le Grand Amour is a comedy movie featuring Pierre Étaix.

Le Grand Amour is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.