Rohmer has set this up similar to other films of his in the diary sense where the highlights of each day are chaptered and displayed to us. It is comforting to notice that often nothing really happens on certain days, much like "real life".  After many walks alone she finds examples that she may be cursed. Finding a playing card on the street, the color of self-help signs and horoscopes all give us (and her) pause for thought. She rebukes obvious advances from men rejecting their proposals, relating later she would rather be alone than have the empty feeling of a one-night stand. Being particular about what sort of company she's in and feeling down, she eavesdrops on a conversation of elderly people who discuss Jules Verne’s book, “Le Rayon Vert” (The Green Ray). The short answer to your question, “What is the Green Ray?”, well, it is a rare optical effect (a green beam) exhibited by the sun at precisely the moment it is completing setting. For those who view, it is said to help them truly understand their own inner feelings. Already giving evidence of being bohemian/spartan in her lifestyle, she's at loose ends and add to that an emotionally weak state, and this overheard conversation has an effect on her. Perhaps all she needs is a sign? 

or order the Entire Arrow Films Boxset including  'The Aviator's Wife', 'A Good Marriage', 'Pauline At The Beach', 'Full Moon In Paris', 'The Green Ray', 'My Girlfriend's Boyfriend', 'Love In The Afternoon' and 'The Marquise Of O' at a savings of $190 US over buying individually.  REVIEWED HERE

I am so relieved - After looking at the Arrow Films "Boyfriends and Girlfriends" I thought they were all going to be no improvement over the atrocious F/L'ers. The Arrow Films DVD is a significant improvement though. I think it may be from that new print that toured a year or so ago. Lets remember this was shot in 16mm, so this may be as good as it gets. It shows both the Fox Lorber and Manga DVDs to be cropped on all sides. The color and contrast of the Arrow Films DVD is far superior in flesh and earth tones. It makes the other two look very saturated. Extras are also worthwhile on the Arrow Films disc with a great little thing with Rohmer explaining details (subtitled) of "The Green Ray" . Very much like a commentary although it is only 8 minutes long. The subs on the Arrow Films are removable which is also very nice. I say this is a MUST buy for all film fans. Phewwww!

What a joke. Here we have a Golden Lion WINNING Film less than 20 years old and this is what we get. Admittedly this is a favorite film of mine and as I was so disgusted with the atrocious state of the Fox/Lorber  DVD that I purchased the only other version available, even though it did not have English subs! I know the film so well, I was sure my pigeon French could get me through. I just wanted to see this film in a superior image... that's all!... I know there is a restored print out there. I have even scanned it and put it on my Rohmer website. It HERE (thanks Nick Wrigley). I realize that Gaumont R2- France are coming out with many Rohmer films in May 2003, and they better be a big improvement on the mess you see below.

Okay, tirade over. I'm sure the source print for this must be pretty darn bad... but why? This isn't some up-and-comer film maker... this is internationally acclaimed Eric Rohmer. Better stop now or I'm going to blow my stack again.