Picnic on the Grass

Picnic on the Grass

1959 · 91 min · FR · 6.3 (54 votes)
Dir. Jean Renoir · Starring Paul Meurisse, Catherine Rouvel, Jacqueline Morane, Fernand Sardou, Jean-Pierre Granval, Hélène Duc · Music Joseph Kosma
RomanceComedy

New Europe presidential candidate Etienne Alexis is a scientist promoting artificial insemination for social betterment and therapy to eliminate passion. To celebrate his engagement to a cousin, he hosts an aseptic picnic, where Mother Nature asserts herself. A shepherd's flute conjures a windstorm throwing Alexis together with the luscious Nénette, a farm lass who, although unimpressed with men, wants to have a baby.

VIBE

A playful, provocative romp that skewers intellectualism with earthy desires. It's a visually lush, often absurd exploration of nature's wildness crashing into sterile, modern ideals. Expect witty dialogue and unexpected, surreal turns.

bawdysatiricaleffervescentsurrealsteadyEuropean art housephilosophical comedymid-century modernnature vs. sciencesexualitysocial commentaryabsurdity