Providence (1977 Alain Resnais)

Like Marienbad, a study in part of memory - John Gielgud's writer's recollections deliberately wander into different countries. His characters don't obey him either and have a habit of turning up in different situations, saying each other's lines. It's very ludic and delicious, particularly in Dirk Bogarde's performance. Though Ellen Burstyn, David Warner, Elaine Stritch also most watchable. (A young Denis Lawson is the footballer!)

David Mercer wrote Morgan: A Suitable Case for Treatment, also with Warner.

There's sinister stuff going on too in war / prison camps imagery.

It was the first film by Alain Resnais I saw, on 7.3.79. and I thought it was brilliant. It certainly doesn't disappoint.

It's a fine late score from Miklos Rozsa. Working with Resnais was one of his happiest experiences. He knew all the composer's music, not just the film scores, was very clear about what he wanted (essential, as Rozsa had no idea what was going on!) and - when he needed to remove some music from a dialogue scene - asked Rozsa if he minded first! He won the César for it. (The French loved it - it also won for film, director, screenplay, production design, editing (Albert Jurgenson) and sound.)

There's also lots of lovely looking Burgundies being drunk all over the place.