You are here:

Appointment in Bray

Name: Appointment in Bray
Director: André Delvaux
Released: 1971
Duration: 90 min

Representation Score

3.4/10

Limited

1971

Director

André Delvaux

Runtime

90 minutes

Average Rating

No ratings yet

New Showbiz Analysis

Appointment in Bray is a sophisticated Belgian art film that prioritizes psychological subjectivity over traditional plot. It uses atmospheric tension to explore the fluidity of memory and human perception. However, the film remains traditionally demographically homogeneous. Its focus on a localized European setting during World War I leads to a lack of racial and ethnic diversity. The narrative structure is heavily anchored to a male protagonist's perspective. While the film challenges some gender hierarchies through psychological depth, it does not actively engage in systemic or multi-layered critiques.

Watch this, not that →

Category Breakdown

Does Appointment in Bray have LGBTQ+ representation?

Limited

The film delves into deep emotional connections and longing between the protagonist and his past relationships. However, it does not explicitly include non-traditional gender identities or stories that challenge the assumption that everyone is straight or cisgender.

How does Appointment in Bray portray gender?

Fair

Female characters, such as the stoic housekeeper, play crucial roles in the protagonist's psychological journey. Despite this, the story remains focused on a male perspective and his reflections.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Appointment in Bray?

Limited

Set in a rural Belgian village during World War I, the film reflects the demographic uniformity of the time. The cast is predominantly white, consistent with the local European population of the era.

How does Appointment in Bray represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative steers clear of nationalist fervor, presenting a contemplative view of wartime institutions through fragmented memories. It primarily serves as a character study rather than a broader cultural critique.

Does Appointment in Bray include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of physical or neurodivergent disabilities that drive the narrative or serve as central character traits.

Present on Screen

Uses psychological depth to disrupt traditional gender hierarchies.
Avoids nationalist or patriotic glorification in favor of contemplative character studies.
Employs a sophisticated narrative structure to explore memory and subjectivity.

Limited or Absent

Lacks explicit representation of non-traditional gender identities or LGBTQ+ narratives.
Maintains a male-centric perspective that limits the subversion of gender dynamics.
Reflects the demographic uniformity of its historical setting with limited racial diversity.

Official Synopsis

In 1917, the First World War is raging. Julien is from Luxemburg, so instead of having to go to war he studies piano in Paris. One day his friend Jacques, also a musician and now a fighter pilot on the front, invites him to spend a few days in his family's empty house in Bray. The housekeeper, a beautiful stoic woman lets Julien in, but his friend is late and he is obliged to wait. In the meantime, he starts reminiscing of the pre-war days spent with his friend and Jacques' girlfriend Odile.

How are these scores produced? →