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The Things of Life

Name: The Things of Life
Director: Claude Sautet
Released: 1970
Duration: 89 min

Representation Score

1.7/10

Minimal

1970

Director

Claude Sautet

Runtime

89 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Claude Sautet’s film is a deep character study that emphasizes psychological introspection rather than social or identity-based narratives. It delves into the fragmented lives of individuals within the context of middle-class domesticity, while remaining anchored in the social and racial norms of its time. While it provides a sophisticated critique of emotional isolation within a stable environment, it does not explore the complexities of intersecting identities. Ultimately, the film stands as a classic example of European realism, examining the erosion of intimacy without addressing broader systemic issues.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Things of Life have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film centers around heterosexual relationships, with no representation of LGBTQ+ identities or queer themes.

How does The Things of Life portray gender?

Fair

Female characters such as Hélène and Catherine play crucial roles in driving the protagonist's emotional journey and crisis.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Things of Life?

Minimal

The cast and setting are overwhelmingly homogeneous, reflecting the demographic realities of the 1970s French bourgeoisie. The narrative focuses strictly on a white, middle-class social circle.

How does The Things of Life represent religion and culture?

Fair

The film explores the emptiness and regrets within traditional family and social institutions, offering a nuanced look at human experience.

Does The Things of Life include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no characters with visible or invisible disabilities, and the central struggles are focused on psychological and existential issues.

Present on Screen

Offers a nuanced, ambiguous exploration of human error and regret.
Provides a subtle critique of the emotional emptiness within bourgeois life.
Highlights the significant emotional roles played by female characters.

Limited or Absent

Focuses on a homogeneous social circle, lacking racial and ethnic diversity.
Does not include LGBTQ+ identities or queer subtext.
Does not address disability or broader systemic social issues.

Official Synopsis

The mind of Pierre Bérard, a successful middle-aged architect, is torn between his unstable present with Hélène, his younger lover, and his happy memories of the past with Catherine, his ex-wife; but his true destiny awaits him at a crossroads on his way to Rennes…

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