French Greetings in Film: Iconic Hello Scenes in French Cinema

French cinema has a rich history of capturing the nuances of social interactions, particularly greetings. These scenes often set the tone for characters and storylines, offering viewers a glimpse into French culture and etiquette.

Classic French Films and Their Iconic Greetings

1. "Les Quatre Cents Coups" (The 400 Blows)

François Truffaut's 1959 masterpiece opens with a casual "Salut!" between schoolboys. This greeting immediately establishes the youthful, rebellious tone of the film.

2. "Amélie"

Jean-Pierre Jeunet's whimsical 2001 film features numerous charming greeting scenes. Amélie's shy "Bonjour" to Nino in the photo booth captures her quirky personality perfectly.

3. "La Haine"

The gritty 1995 drama showcases urban youth greetings. The characters' use of slang and gestures in their hellos reflects their social background and the film's raw energy.

4. "Breathless" (À bout de souffle)

Jean-Paul Belmondo's character uses a casual "Salut" throughout the film, emphasizing his cool, detached persona in this New Wave classic.

5. "The Intouchables"

The 2011 hit features a memorable scene where Driss learns the proper way to greet in upper-class French society, highlighting cultural differences through greetings.

Contemporary French Cinema and Greeting Innovations

6. "Blue Is the Warmest Color"

This 2013 coming-of-age drama uses subtle greeting scenes to show the evolving relationship between its main characters.

7. "Portrait of a Lady on Fire"

The 2019 period drama employs formal 18th-century greetings, demonstrating how cinema can accurately portray historical social norms.

8. "BPM (Beats Per Minute)"

This 2017 film about AIDS activists in 1990s Paris shows how greetings can be political acts, with characters using them to show solidarity.

9. "Raw"

The 2016 horror film uses greetings to build tension, with seemingly normal hellos taking on sinister undertones as the plot unfolds.

10. "The French Dispatch"

Wes Anderson's 2021 love letter to French culture playfully exaggerates French greeting customs for comedic effect.

How Filmmakers Use Greetings to Establish Character and Setting

Setting the Scene

Greetings often appear in opening scenes to immediately immerse viewers in the film's world. They can quickly establish time period, social class, and location.

Character Development

The way a character greets others can reveal much about their personality, background, and current emotional state.

Relationship Dynamics

Greeting scenes between characters can show the nature of their relationship, from intimate to formal, friendly to hostile.

Cultural Commentary

Many French films use greeting scenes to comment on or critique social norms and expectations.

The Influence of French Cinema on Greeting Customs

Popularizing Phrases

Iconic greeting scenes in films often popularize certain phrases or ways of saying hello in everyday French life.

Reflecting Social Changes

Over time, greeting scenes in French cinema have mirrored evolving social norms, from the formal interactions of classic films to the casual greetings in modern works.

International Perception

These cinematic greetings have shaped how the world views French social customs, sometimes creating or reinforcing stereotypes.

Analyzing Notable Greeting Moments

"Bonjour" in "Beauty and the Beast"

Though not a French film, the 1991 Disney classic's opening song "Bonjour" has become an iconic representation of French greetings in popular culture.

The Silent Greeting in "The Artist"

This 2011 French silent film uses exaggerated body language and facial expressions to convey greetings, showcasing the power of non-verbal communication.

Multilingual Greetings in "L'Auberge Espagnole"

This 2002 film about European exchange students features greetings in multiple languages, highlighting the diversity of modern Europe.

Exercise: Identify the Greeting

Try to match the following greeting scenes with the correct film:

1. A casual "Ça va?" exchanged between two friends on a Parisian street.
2. A formal bow and "Enchanté, Madame" at a 19th-century ball.
3. A group of friends shouting "Salut!" as they enter a café.
4. A nervous "Bonjour" whispered by a young woman to her crush.
5. A sarcastic "Bonjour, Monsieur le Commissaire" from a suspect to a police officer.

(Answers and explanations at the end of the article)

Conclusion

French cinema's portrayal of greetings offers a unique window into French culture and social dynamics. From the casual "Salut" to the formal "Enchanté," these scenes do more than just say hello – they tell stories, develop characters, and capture the essence of French social interactions.

By paying attention to these often-overlooked moments in films, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of French culture and improve their own greeting skills.

Answers to the Exercise

1. "La Haine" - Reflects the casual, urban style of the film.
2. "Madame Bovary" - Captures the formality of 19th-century French society.
3. "Amélie" - Shows the vibrant, friendly atmosphere of Montmartre.
4. "Blue Is the Warmest Color" - Conveys the nervousness of young love.
5. "A Very Long Engagement" - Demonstrates tension between characters through a seemingly polite greeting.