Daniel Vigne, 1982, 122 min.
Screening followed by discussion with Shanny Peer
The Return of Martin Guerre is a French historical drama, starring Gérard Depardieu and Nathalie Baye, based on a case of imposture in 16th century France involving Martin Guerre, a French peasant and ex-soldier. The movie is rooted in the documentary record of this celebrated trial that raises questions concerning identity, deception, and marriage. The case became the basis for historian Natalie Zemon Davis's influential book reconstructing village life in early modern France, demonstrating how legal archives can provide rare insight into the social relationships, values, and everyday experiences of ordinary people whose voices are seldom preserved in the historical record.
Watch the trailer here.
Shanny Peer is Director of the Maison Française with a PhD in French Studies. She has enjoyed teaching The Return of Martin Guerre in courses on French history and identity.
This film is featured in the Maison Française film series History on Trial. The series is curated by Shanny Peer, with contributions by Emmanuel Kattan and Jane Gaines. Additional support for the series is provided by the School of the Arts Film & Media Division, Alliance Program, Society of Fellows and Heyman Center for the Humanities, and Dean of Humanities.
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