Inside the arthouse
Bonjour Tristesse

Bonjour Tristesse

With a spectacular cast, stunning costumes and set design, beautiful cinematography and gorgeous locations— BONJOUR TRISTESSE shares all the hallmarks of the Merchant Ivory classics that delighted audiences for years.

Originally published in 1954, Francoise Sagan’s novel, BONJOUR TRISTESSE was an overnight sensation. But for every rave review, there were an equal number of critics shocked by a casual attitude toward a young woman’s sexual awakening.

In Otto Preminger’s 1958 film adaptation, the focus was on the sensational.

But thankfully, visionary producers pushing for a new adaptation recognized the need for a woman’s voice and recruited Canadian writer Durga Chew-Bose to work on the screenplay. Having found someone with just the right approach to bring this new version to life, Chew-Bose was asked to stay on board and direct the film as well. 

The result is a debut film of remarkable depth and sensitivity that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and is opening in theaters everywhere. 

Please join our conversation with first-time screenwriter and director Durga Chew-Bose, about her remarkable film, on INSIDE THE ARTHOUSE, starting now… 

BONJOUR TRISTESSE
At the height of summer, 18-year-old Cécile (Lily McInerny) is relaxing by the French seaside with her father (Claes Bang) and falling in love with her new boyfriend. The arrival of her late mother’s enigmatic friend (Chloë Sevigny) turns her world upside down. A modern take on Françoise Sagan’s unforgettable coming-of-age novel. A Toronto International Film Festival premiere.