FRE 105 ---Handout 7
Questionnaire on film: This film is on reserve at the main library (circulation desk, under course or instructor name).
Please fill questionnaire after each viewing and bring to class . Will be picked up at the end of the discussion.

Marius et Jeannette.(1998) Robert Guediguian . With Ariane Ascaride, Gerard Meylan, Pascale Roberts Jaques Boudet, Féderíque Bonnai. French with English subtitles, 102 Min.
Summary.
Humor, tenderness, jokes mix in the warm sud of Marseilles in the "Midi"(South of France).  Marius is a
security guard in an old disused ciment factory.   In a nearby street, Jeannette brings up alone her two
children on a low salary.  One day she tries to steal old pots of paint from the disused factory and meets
Marius.    Rather than turn her in he ends up helping her paint her apartment. Down-and-out working
class people in Marseilles, their romance is an inspiration to their neighbors who help make it work.
It is a simple love story between ordinary people.  A nice tale that ends well but in which a lot of strong
emotions are expressed.  The film alludes to many topics of contemporary France. Wonderfully human.
-Where in France is this action taking place (north? south?)?  How can you tell?

- Jeannette is a single mum.  What does she do for a living.

-What is her story?

- What is the socio-economic background of the people in this story ? How can you tell? (examples)

-Observe and comment on: shopping/ food/ table etiquette/manners (+examples?)

- Community: where does Jeannette live? Describe the relationships with her neighbors.

- Importance of family/friends gatherings?  Explain with examples.

- Any references to French history (WW II?)

- Men: portrayal and interaction (give examples)

- Women: portrayal and interaction (give examples)

- Men and women interactions. Comments + examples. (similarities and differences with the US?)

- Do you understand why Dede's wife is upset with him?

- Humor: Dede went to the hospital. Why?  His wife and everyone end up finding the situation amusing, why?

-Do you find this amusing too?

- Find other humorous passages (examples)

 -What Social-political events does this film mention?

-What is the National Front?

-What is Marius's secret? Do you understand why Marius stops seeing Jeannette?
 How do his friends find out?

- Adults and children: how do they relate? (give 2 examples)

- Comment on how the retired school teacher explains multiculturalism and religious tolerance to the children

- What are the religions mentioned this film? (cite some examples pertaining to religions)

- What are the differences between the northern and southern French ? How do the people living in the regions view living in Paris (the capital)? Explain, with examples. Are there similar attitudes in your country?

- Comment on oddities you observed.

- Are there any scenes that would not be in US made movies?  And why?

- What aspect of the movie did you prefer and why?