Jean Renoir Rules Of The Game Symbolism

Jean Renoir’s The Rules of the Game is a film made shortly before World War II occurred, and as a result there is war symbolism and images throughout the film. In addition to the impending signs of war, there is a critique in the mannerisms and customs surrounding the upper classes. An instance in which symbolism of war emerges is at 24:31 when Robert de la Chesnaye and his gamekeeper are talking on the property’s grounds as rabbits are killed in the background. The ongoing sounds of riffles in the distance creates a sense that there is a battle occurring in the background. Though the bodies of the rabbits are not shown in this scene them, it is mentioned that 250 are killed. This large number of slain rabbits is dismissed as nothing for the men, creating a sense that the upper class is devoid of any of the sympathy and sentiments that should arise in people. Rather than engaging in matters …show more content…
Further imagery of war is seen during the hunting scene which occurs at 47:41. The servants led by the gamekeeper walk side by side as if in a military formation while they scare all of the wildlife. Christine, Robert, Andre and the guests are stationed at fences or hedges, which are reminiscent of the trenches used during the First World War. From the fence, they shoot indiscriminately at all of the animals, which drop down throughout the grounds. The scattered bodies of the animals are shown with particular emphasis placed on a rabbit as it slowly dies at 49:56. The camera focuses on this rabbit in order to reveal the cruelty and barbarity of hunting. Sound also functions as a reminder of the impending war. At the end of the hunt, a