A Tale of Autumn (1998)

Inspired by classic American romantic comedies and set among the golden vineyards of the Rhône Valley, the warm and breezy final film in Rohmer’s tetralogy concerns a reserved middle-aged winegrower and widow Magali, who feels isolated now that her son and daughter have left home. Simultaneous attempts by Magali’s son’s girlfriend and her best friend to find her a suitor create a series of comic misunderstandings that are pure Rohmer in revealing the humour in human folly. Rohmer interrogates the distinctly autumnal concepts of growth and change amongst a cast of largely middle-aged characters with a playful compassion, resulting in one of his most wistful and beguiling comedies.

Awards & Festivals

Venice Film Festival 1998 – Best Screenplay
New York Film Festival 1998 – Official Selection

Screens as part of Éric Rohmer's Tales of the Four Seasons.