As the Moon (1977) — AI Story Visualization

Plot Analysis Summary

Pouplard's pursuit of romantic control gives way to jealousy, new attachments, and an ironic family resolution.

Story Structure — 5 Plot Phases

A Family Gathering Gone Wrong

Pouplard has left his wife and child to live with Nadia. His attempt to bring his wife and mistress together at his parents' table ends in a fight, and he promises Nadia a trip to Deauville.

Key Events

• Pouplard Leaves His Family — Pouplard leaves his wife and child to live with Nadia. Characters: Pouplard, Nadia
• A Meeting at His Parents' Table — Pouplard attempts to bring his wife and Nadia together at his parents' table. Characters: Pouplard, Nadia, Pouplard, Pouplard Location: Pouplard's parents' table
• The Gathering Turns Violent — The attempted meeting turns into a drama and a fistfight between the two women. Characters: Pouplard, Nadia Location: Pouplard's parents' table
• Nadia Drives Away — Nadia drives home and sulks; Pouplard promises a trip to Deauville to calm her. Characters: Nadia, Pouplard

Desire and Rivalry in Deauville

Pouplard encounters his old friend Chanteau and Chanteau's secretary, Yvette. Nadia becomes interested in Chanteau, prompting a fight between the two men.

Key Events

• The Deauville Meeting — Pouplard meets his old friend Chanteau, who is accompanied by his secretary Yvette. Characters: Pouplard, Nadia, Chanteau, Yvette Location: Deauville
• The Couples Go Out — The two couples go out together, and Nadia grows increasingly interested in Chanteau. Characters: Pouplard, Nadia, Chanteau, Yvette Location: Deauville
• The Two Men Fight — Pouplard notices Nadia's interest in Chanteau, and the two men fight. Characters: Pouplard, Chanteau, Nadia Location: Deauville

Nadia's Departure

While Pouplard is drunk, Nadia and Chanteau make love in the bathroom. Pouplard wakes to learn from Yvette that the pair have left, and a new intimacy begins between him and Yvette.

Key Events

• Pouplard Returns Drunk — Pouplard is brought back to the hotel completely drunk. Characters: Pouplard, Nadia, Chanteau Location: Hotel
• An Affair in the Bathroom — Nadia and Chanteau take advantage of Pouplard's drunken state and make love. Characters: Nadia, Chanteau, Pouplard Location: Hotel bathroom
• Nadia Has Left — Pouplard wakes to find Nadia gone; Yvette tells him that she and Chanteau have left. Characters: Pouplard, Yvette, Nadia, Chanteau Location: Hotel
• A New Intimacy on the Road — Pouplard and Yvette travel together, and an intimacy begins to develop between them. Characters: Pouplard, Yvette Location: Road

A Confrontation at the Hotel

Pouplard and Yvette happen upon the hotel where Nadia and Chanteau are staying. Pouplard tries to assault Nadia, but Chanteau knocks him unconscious.

Key Events

• They Find Nadia and Chanteau — By chance, Pouplard and Yvette come across the hotel where Nadia and Chanteau are staying. Characters: Pouplard, Yvette, Nadia, Chanteau Location: Hotel
• Pouplard Attacks Nadia — Pouplard tries to assault Nadia, claiming he wants to correct her. Characters: Pouplard, Nadia, Chanteau Location: Hotel
• Chanteau Knocks Him Out — Chanteau knocks Pouplard unconscious while stopping the assault on Nadia. Characters: Chanteau, Pouplard, Nadia Location: Hotel

Marriage and Beachside Irony

Pouplard marries Yvette and they have a child. In the final beach scene, Pouplard remains boastful while Yvette flirts with a young man as she fishes for mussels.

Key Events

• Pouplard Marries Yvette — Pouplard marries Yvette, and they have a child. Characters: Pouplard, Yvette
• Flirting on the Beach — Pouplard swaggers on the beach while Yvette flirts with a young man as she fishes for mussels. Characters: Pouplard, Yvette Location: Beach

Story Breakdown

• Pouplard Leaves Home — Pouplard leaves his wife and child to live with Nadia.
  • Life with Nadia — Pouplard shares his life with Nadia but does not handle the situation well.
  • Parents' Gathering — Pouplard attempts to bring his wife and Nadia together at his parents' table.
• The Failed Meeting — The planned introduction becomes a family drama.
  • Women Fight — The meeting ends in a fistfight between Pouplard's wife and Nadia.
  • Deauville Promise — Pouplard promises Nadia a trip to calm her down.
• Deauville Rivalry — The holiday brings Pouplard, Nadia, Chanteau, and Yvette together.
  • Old Friend Appears — Pouplard encounters Chanteau, accompanied by his secretary Yvette.
  • Nadia's Interest — Nadia becomes increasingly interested in Chanteau while the couples go out together.
• The Affair and Departure — Nadia's attraction to Chanteau develops while Pouplard is incapacitated by drink.
  • Bathroom Affair — Nadia and Chanteau make love in the bathroom while Pouplard is drunk.
  • Empty Hotel Room — Pouplard wakes and learns from Yvette that Nadia and Chanteau have left.
• Yvette and Pouplard — After Nadia leaves, Pouplard and Yvette begin to grow closer during their journey.
  • Shared Journey — Pouplard and Yvette take to the road together.
  • Chance Encounter — They find the hotel where Nadia and Chanteau are staying.
• Violence and Aftermath — Pouplard confronts Nadia, and Chanteau intervenes.
  • Attempted Assault — Pouplard tries to assault Nadia, saying he wants to correct her.
  • Chanteau Intervenes — Chanteau knocks Pouplard unconscious to stop him.
• Marriage and Beach — Pouplard and Yvette form a family, while the closing scene suggests their relationship remains unsettled.
  • A New Family — Pouplard marries Yvette, and they have a child.
  • Beachside Flirtation — Pouplard swaggers on the beach as Yvette flirts with a young man while fishing for mussels.

Directed by

Joël Séria

Key Cast

• Jean-Pierre Marielle — Pouplard
• Sophie Daumier — Nadia
• Dominique Lavanant — Yvette
• Marco Perrin — Chanteau
• Anna Gaylor — Jeanine