Mouchette

Mouchette

Year: 1967

Runtime: 81 mins

Language: French

Director: Robert Bresson

DramaHumanity and the world around usPowerful stories of heartbreak and sufferingEmotional teen coming-of-age storiesSurreal and thought-provoking visions of life and death

A young girl living in the French countryside suffers constant indignities at the hand of alcoholism and her fellow man.

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Timeline & Setting – Mouchette (1967)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Mouchette (1967). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Mid-20th century

The story is set in a period that appears to be post-World War II France, characterized by traditional rural life and limited technological development. This time period emphasizes the social and economic hardships faced by the characters, especially in isolated village communities.

Location

French village, woods, river

The movie takes place in a remote French village surrounded by dense woods and a river, representing isolation and the natural environment. These locations reflect the solitude and harsh realities of the protagonist's life and serve as symbolic backdrops for her emotional journey.

🇫🇷 Rural 🌳 Wilderness 💧 River

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:52

Main Characters – Mouchette (1967)

Meet the key characters of Mouchette (1967), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Mouchette (Nadine Nortier)

A gentle and sensitive girl living in a harsh environment, Mouchette is burdened by her family's neglect and societal judgment. Her quiet resilience is contrasted with her internal suffering and tragic fate, making her a symbol of innocence lost.

🌸 Vulnerable 🌿 Innocent 😢 Tragic

Arsène (Jean-Claude Guilbert)

An alcoholic epileptic poacher, Arsène is a tragic figure embodying despair and violence. His encounter with Mouchette exposes his inner turmoil and contributes to her traumatic experience, highlighting themes of decay and rejection.

🍃 Outcast 🍂 Violent 🍷 Troubled

Mathieu (unknown actor, referred to as Mathieu)

The gamekeeper, Mathieu is a character who discusses the previous night's events with others, representing societal authority and the passing of judgment. His role underscores themes of societal indifference and moral ambiguity.

🏞️ Authority 🕵️‍♂️ Judgment 🌾 Rural life

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:52

Major Themes – Mouchette (1967)

Explore the central themes of Mouchette (1967), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕊️ Innocence

The theme of innocence permeates the film, highlighted by Mouchette's pure and vulnerable nature amidst a hostile environment. Her innocence is contrasted with the violence and cruelty she encounters, symbolizing the loss and fragility of childhood innocence.

🔥 Despair

Despair is a central theme, illustrated by Mouchette's life of hardship, familial neglect, and societal rejection. The film explores how despair can lead to tragic outcomes, emphasizing the harsh realities faced by marginalized individuals.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:52

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Mouchette Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Mouchette, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Mouchette Summary

Mouchette Timeline

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Mouchette Timeline

Mouchette Spoiler-Free Summary

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Mouchette Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Mouchette

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More About Mouchette