The Mother and the Whore

The Mother and the Whore

Year: 1973

Runtime: 217 min

Language: French

Director: Jean Eustache

DramaRomance

A complex and emotionally charged drama explores the tangled relationships between three people. Alexandre finds himself caught between his girlfriend, Marie, and another woman, Veronika, leading to a passionate but unsustainable affair. As their desires intertwine, jealousy and conflict arise, revealing the challenges and heartaches inherent in love and commitment. The film delves into the intricacies of human connection and the consequences of pursuing forbidden desires.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – The Mother and the Whore (1973)

Trace every key event in The Mother and the Whore (1973) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Alexandre's Aimless Life

Alexandre, a young intellectual, is depicted as navigating a life filled with uncertainty in Paris. He engages in deep discussions about political and philosophical themes, often influenced by contemporary films and historical protests.

Paris
2

Relationship with Marie

Alexandre lives with Marie, who works at a dress store. His nonchalance towards her affections leads to a series of tense confrontations, highlighting the strain on their relationship.

3

Reconnecting with Gilberte

In a bid to rekindle his romantic feelings, Alexandre reaches out to his ex-girlfriend Gilberte. However, she rejects him as she prepares to marry another man, deepening Alexandre’s sense of loneliness.

4

Meeting Veronika at Les Deux Magots

Feeling desolate, Alexandre visits the famous café, Les Deux Magots, where he meets Veronika, a Polish French anesthesiologist. She represents a bold new perspective on life and relationships, capturing his interest instantly.

Les Deux Magots, Paris
5

Affair with Veronika

As his affair with Veronika develops, Alexandre becomes caught in a whirlwind of seduction. His mind often drifts to philosophical musings during their encounters, complicating his emotional landscape.

6

Marie's Business Trip to London

During one of Marie's business trips to London, Alexandre's entanglement deepens as he indulges not only with Veronika but also with another friend. This adds layers of complexity to his already chaotic love life.

London
7

Three-Way Relationship Begins

The relationship takes a dramatic turn when a drunken Veronika surprises Alexandre and Marie in bed. This initial excitement leads to a complicated three-way dynamic filled with passion and rivalry.

8

Rivalry Among Women

As time passes, Veronika and Marie each begin to vie for Alexandre's attention, resulting in competitive feelings and escalating tension. Their rivalry comes to a head during one heated confrontation.

Café Flore, Paris
9

Marie's Despair

In a moment of despair, Marie attempts to end her life using sleeping pills. Alexandre manages to save her, but this incident serves as a wake-up call and marks a critical change in dynamics.

10

Veronika's Confession

Following the turmoil, Veronika expresses her disillusionment with societal expectations of women. She confesses her fears about possibly being pregnant with Alexandre's child, raising the stakes in their relationship.

11

Proposal in a Moment of Chaos

In a rush of emotions, Alexandre drives Veronika back to the hospital and unexpectedly proposes. This moment is filled with strange laughter and tears as Veronika grapples with her fear and nausea.

Hospital
12

Overwhelmed by Choices

After proposing, Alexandre finds himself overwhelmed by the chaos of his entangled relationships. Sitting on the floor, he reflects on the web of confusion he has created around himself.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 17:39

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The Mother and the Whore Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Mother and the Whore

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Characters, Settings & Themes in The Mother and the Whore

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