A* French A-Level Film Essay: Jean-Pierre Jeunet : Un long dimanche de fiançailles

French A-Level (AQA)
Paper 2: Writing
Section B: Films

Jean-Pierre Jeunet: Un long Dimanche de fiançailles

Question: Examinez les rapports entre les personnages principaux du film.

A* Exam Response.

This essay examines several of the key relationships in Jeunet’s 2004 film.

It starts by examining the relationships between the soldiers stationed at ‘Bingo Crépuscule’ in the trenches of the Somme. The paragraphs focus on the strength of friendship and unity shared between these conscripted men and, specifically, there is a focus on the kindness that the soldiers show towards the much younger and naive, Manech Langonnet. It considers, in particular, the roles of Célestin Poux and Benoît Notre Dame.

The essay then moves from the trenches to the domestic home front and examines the relationships between Mathilde and her aunt and uncle, as well as between Mathilde and the private detective, Germain Pire.

Finally, the essay examines the relationship between Mathilde and Manech. Ultimately, this essay demonstrates that this is the strongest relationship within the film.

This essay is also useful for general revision of the film as it covers a multitude of key relationships with precise examples taken from a variety of scenes.

Word Count: 1683