Rifkin's Festival

Mort Rifkin, a seasoned film critic, begins to lay bare his emotional struggles during therapy sessions. He reflects on his life, illustrating the complexities of his feelings about love and cinema.

Mort accompanies his younger wife, Sue, to the prestigious San Sebastián film festival, where she serves as a press agent for renowned French director Philippe. The festival is an important event that sets the stage for the unraveling of Mort's emotional hardships.

As the festival unfolds, Mort expresses disdain for Philippe's new film, which he finds overly sentimental and derivative. This critique strains his relationship with Sue, who is deeply invested in promoting the film.

Amidst the festivities, Mort becomes increasingly aware of the chemistry between Sue and Philippe. His jealousy and insecurity grow, driving a wedge between him and Sue as he fears the loss of their marriage.

Mort begins to experience haunting nightmares, drawing inspiration from iconic films like 'Citizen Kane' and 'Persona'. These dreams reflect his inner turmoil and highlight his fears concerning love and betrayal.

As he wanders through the festival, Mort feels nostalgic, recalling his fulfilling days as a film instructor. However, this reflection is clouded by his anxiety about Sue's growing affection for another man.

In a misguided attempt to win back Sue, Mort pretends to be suffering from various ailments to consult Dr. Jo Rojas, a Spanish physician. They discover a shared understanding of emotional turmoil stemming from troubled marriages.

Mort and Jo take a picturesque drive through the countryside, enjoying deep conversation. Their outing is cut short by a flat tire, leading them to Jo's home where they face an unexpected situation involving her husband.

After discovering her husband's infidelity, Jo feels distraught. Mort steps in, providing comfort and support, highlighting the connection they've forged amidst personal chaos.

Sue finally confronts Mort, declaring her desire to leave him for Philippe. This weighs heavily on Mort, exacerbating his feelings of inadequacy and fear of abandonment.

The day after their confrontation, Mort reaches out to Jo, hoping to rekindle their budding connection before leaving San Sebastián. Although she declines his invitation, there remains an unresolved tension between them.

As the festival nears its conclusion, Mort experiences a surreal encounter on a chessboard with Death, reminiscent of 'The Seventh Seal'. This existential confrontation forces Mort to ponder life's meaning and mortality.

During his encounter with Death, Mort receives unexpected wisdom regarding the significance of life, emphasizing the importance of healthy choices. This leads Mort to reflect on his own life decisions, recognizing areas for growth.

As the festival comes to an end, Mort contemplates a transformative shift in perspective about his life and marriage. He considers the possibility of rekindling his passion for teaching and the arts.

Back in New York, Mort seeks further guidance from his therapist on how to navigate the complexities of his emotions and relationships. He aims to find a path that extends his journey in life and enrich his future.