I don’t like his post 1930s output as much as his films from that decade. For me, it’s not that I don’t think Technicolor is Renoir-like, but the lighter subject matter. I liked “The River” for its scenery and beauty, but was a bit put off by the colonialist overtones, or perhaps Renoir’s blithe acceptance of them. I expected more social commentary, perhaps, from the guy who made “Boudu” and “Rules.”

When I saw The River I remember feeling off-kilter b/c it was in Technicolor and I wasn’t used to seeing a Renoir film that way. It had the humanity of Renoir, but it didn’t look like Renoir (especially after having to push through rough VHS only copies of Monsieur Lange and Le Bete Humaine - at the time). But then I loved it, of course. It’s great.

[NOTE: I don't think I've seen a film of his that ISN'T great. Granted, I've only seen a total of seven, and they are the ones that people always bring up - the only post-Rules of the Game film I've seen is The River - but still, 7 for 7 is pretty amazing.]

But I love the look of the still you posted, and the red white and blue (though French) might just encourage me to go rent this for Independence Day tomorrow.