1965 - Le Bonheur

Searching for today yields academic essays, Criterion Collection editions, and online debates about the film’s final, chilling smile. The film endures because it refuses to provide catharsis. It does not punish the sinner. It does not resurrect the victim. It simply moves on.

One weekday, while working on a construction site, François meets Émilie (Marie-France Boyer), a postal clerk. They begin an affair. François falls in love with Émilie but finds that his love for her does not diminish his love for Thérèse. He considers his life to be fuller, possessing a "surplus" of happiness. le bonheur 1965

Close readings of 3–4 key scenes (with timestamps) It does not resurrect the victim

The film concludes with Émilie seamlessly stepping into Thérèse’s role, continuing the family's "happy" life as if no tragedy had occurred. 2. Key Themes & Interpretations The Nature of Happiness: They begin an affair