Backdrop preview Bed and Board backdrop
Bed and Board

Bed and Board (1970)

Sep 09, 1970 1h 37m Comedy Drama Romance

Parisian everyman Antoine Doinel has married his sweetheart Christine Darbon, and the newlyweds have set up a cozy domestic life of selling flowers and giving violin lessons while Antoine fitfully works on his long-gestating novel. As Christine becomes pregnant with the couple's first child, Antoine finds himself enraptured with a young Japanese beauty. The complications change the course of their relationship forever.

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Directed by François Truffaut

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • François Truffaut
Producer
  • Marcel Berbert
  • François Truffaut
  • André Mucchielli
  • Hercule Mucchielli

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Thematic Analysis

As a dramatic work, Bed and Board examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.

Director François Truffaut brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 1970, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Bed and Board took approximately 30 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 97 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 124 minutes long.
  • The film contains approximately 2410 individual shots.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 2 weeks before filming began.
  • The costume department created over 205 unique costume pieces for the production.

Historical Context

  • In 1970, when this film was released:
  • The Watergate scandal changed public perception of political institutions.
  • Economic recession and oil crises were affecting global economies.
  • The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.

How This Film Stands Out

While Bed and Board shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Pretty Woman, which focuses more on action than character development, Bed and Board subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like Match Point and Freaks explore similar territory, Bed and Board stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: September 9, 1970
  • Runtime: 1h 37m

Where to Watch

Criterion Channel

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