Dear misguided gawker: Despite all appearances, this film is not about an old, sleazy man preying on a young, innocent girl. Henri Serin is a broken man; he stopped believing in himself and modern society's pointless pursuit and decided to become an artist (a painter), somewhat following the footsteps of his glorious predecessor Paul Gauguin (another broken man and the epitome of a sleazeball by today's standards, but a human heroic adventurer nonetheless.) Henri fails to succeed in his bold endeavor and is left in shambles, alone; a pathetic middle-aged alcoholic, his lust for art turns into a misfit's nightmare. Until he meets Mary, her beauty, compassion, and innocence inspire him, and he finds redemption and LOVE in her gentle arms. Most beings in this world are drawn to oblivion and use their sexual desire to lose consciousness, to divert the infinite towards the pit. Still, in this instance, Henri Serin looks up and opens his being to this universe's true, beautiful, and sacred nature through his keen eye for beauty and esthetics for grace. Mary's youth and appealing beauty become his vessel to transcendence. This moment is a testament to what is possible. Love and desire to redeem our fallen selves. Whoever has eyes, let them see! The film is directed by the great Joel Seria and played by the immense Jean-Pierre Marielle and the subtle Jeanne Goupil (Seria's partner at the time.)
