Presentation, or Charlotte and Her Steak (1960)

Two young people, Walter and Charlotte, are walking through a small village in Switzerland a snowy winter day. Walter introduces Charlotte to Clara, hoping to make Charlotte jealous. After ... See full summary »

Director:

Éric Rohmer

Stars:

Jean-Luc Godard, Stéphane Audran, Anna Karina

Cast

Cast overview:
Jean-Luc Godard	...	Walter
Stéphane Audran	...	Charlotte (recorded 1961) (voice)
Anna Karina	...	Clara (recorded 1961) (voice)

Storyline

Two young people, Walter and Charlotte, are walking through a small village in Switzerland a snowy winter day. Walter introduces Charlotte to Clara, hoping to make Charlotte jealous. After saying good-bye to Clara, Walter accompanies Charlotte into her house, although she doesn't want him to. Charlotte is hungry and cooks a steak. She asks Walter if he wants a piece of it. He says no, but she gives him a small piece anyway. He wants a kiss, and she says no. She starts to compare herself with Clara, who Walter agrees is more beautiful. In spite of this, Walter says he likes Charlotte much more, but she thinks he is lying. She notices that he is cold and shivering. She hugs him, he kisses her, and she starts kissing him. After leaving the house he accompanies her to the train.

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Plot Keywords:

winter | apartment | food in title | snow | france | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Short | Romance

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Did You Know?

Trivia

The film was first shot in 1951 with no sound. In 1961, a soundtrack was added and the film was first shown at the Journées internationales du court métrage.

User Reviews

I Wonder if the Steak Was Tough

I wonder why this was made, other than to show us a bit of Jean Luc-Goddard as an actor. Charlotte banters with this guy. He invites himself to her home, even though she is in a rush. They talk about the other woman, Clara, who leaves them a few seconds into the thing. He wants to kiss her. She wants to have lunch, warming up a piece of steak from the refrigerator. The discussion isn't all that dynamic, and the cinematography isn't anything interesting. Had someone besides Rohmer directed this, it probably wouldn't have attracted attention. Anyway, a curiosity out of the way. I guess if it has a positive thing going for it, it would be to check out some Goddard again.

Details

Country:

France

Language:

French

Release Date:

1960 (France)

Also Known As:

Charlotte e Seu Bife

Company Credits

Production Co:

Guy de Ray

Technical Specs

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1