Tous les Matins du Monde (1991)

I am glad that obscure French movies are still broadcast on Finnish telly. Tous les Matins du Monde (dir. A Corneau) is an enchanting film - visually at least. It tells the story of a viola da gamba player during late 17th century. He is a stubborn man who won't be convinced to go play for the king. He lives with his two daughters. At night, his wife's ghost visit him. One day, a young man turns up by the hut in which he plays his music. The boy wants him to be his teacher. The man, of course, turns the boy down, he tolerates no changes or compromises in his life. More things happen. At the center of the film: music. Is this yet another film that elevates the artist's creativity? Yes and no. This is as much a film about the younger man as the older man. The younger man ages, gets disillusioned. Yes - the film trades in a familiar trope: the purity (even ascetism?) of art. But to its defense one can say that Tous les Matins du Monde is a strikingly beautiful film, and that some of the tragic scenes are quite well worked out. (In some cases, I felt that the film overdid its style, by trying to emulate baroque paintings too obviously.) If this is considered a puffed up costume drama, I must admit I like it. Plus: I like music from the baroque period. The film's portrayal of women? There are a few very problematic scenes in there: the sorrowful girl; the man of the world. A quiet little film.