Conte d’hiver (A Tale of Winter)

In Conte d’hiver, shot in austere 16mm footage and set against grey suburban backdrops, Rohmer explores the power of chance, loyalty and faith. Five years after hairdresser Félicie (a moving performance by Charlotte Véry) lost contact with her holiday romance, Charles, due to a mistake, she remains convinced that she will find him again one day. Meanwhile, she refuses to commit to two men – another hairdresser and a librarian – who offer her security, but not true love. Inspired by Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, Rohmer weaves a seemingly everyday story with an almost fairy-tale-like belief in the improbable. A visit to Nevers cathedral and a revelation whilst attending a Shakespeare performance reinforce the spiritual dimension of Félicie’s quest. Philosophical discussions about Pascal and Plato contrast with Félicie’s intuitive trust in fate.