Suzanne’s Career (1963)

In the riveting cinematic narrative of "Suzanne's Career," we delve into the labyrinth of emotions, manipulations, and moral dilemmas that pervade the lives of two contrasting friends, Bertrand and Guillaume, and the seemingly vulnerable Suzanne. Bertrand, an 18-year-old pharmacology student, wears a cloak of innocence and kindness, starkly contrasting with Guillaume's crafty casanova persona. Their lives take an intriguing turn when Suzanne, a captivating damsel, enters their world. A chance meeting at a café leads to Guillaume's successful flirtation with Suzanne, subsequently inviting her into the whirlwind of their lives. His fear of commitment prompts him to oscillate between the poles of attraction and repulsion, weaving a complex tapestry of feelings towards Suzanne. Bertrand, however, harbors a shameful pity for Suzanne, which gradually morphs into scorn as she continues her desperate pursuit of Guillaume, oblivious to his manipulative tactics. Bertrand's emotional turmoil is further complicated by his budding interest in Sophie, a girl he admires from a distance. His shyness, however, serves as a barrier to his romantic aspirations. Bertrand becomes an unwilling accomplice in Guillaume's cunning plot to deceive Suzanne, leading her down a path of financial ruin and loss of employment. "Suzanne's Career" is an enthralling exploration of relationships, unmasking the misconceptions and intricate dynamics that exist within them. As time unfurls, Suzanne finds happiness in marriage, while Bertrand grapples with the harsh reality of losing Sophie. He witnesses Suzanne's transformation from a manipulated victim to a triumphant woman, leaving him to ponder the perplexing game of love and life. This film, the second of Rohmer's moral tales, masterfully encapsulates the mindscape of the characters, offering viewers an intimate glimpse into their inner world.

Suzanne’s Career is a drama movie featuring Catherine Sée.

Suzanne’s Career is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.