The Rules of The Game - Later History and Reputation

Later History and Reputation

During one of the Allied bombings, the original negative was destroyed, leading many to believe that a complete version would never be seen again. After the war though, pieces of the negative were found, and the painstaking task of reassembling the film was undertaken. The film was restored to 106 minutes in 1959 with Renoir's approval and advice. Only one scene was not located, one of Lisette talking about affairs among the maid staff, but this was a short scene and, according to Renoir, not vital to the plot.

Since the first restoration, it has come to be seen by many film critics and directors as one of the greatest films of all time. Critics placing it at the top of their lists include Nick Roddick, Paul Schrader, and Bertrand Tavernier. Also, filmmaker Wim Wenders has cited it as the film that got him started as a filmmaker. The critical and public receptions largely could not or were unwilling to comprehend the film's crystal clear expression of a moribund age, represented through a mixing of genres to create Renoir's satirical, yet realist style. Audiences may have been displeased with the subtle irony of the compositions and unique camera movements that often highlight peculiar off screen activity. The stunningly mobile photographic style emerged against traditions, disconcerting the public and critics with a depth of field and deep focus mise-en-scène that would return to France from America via Citizen Kane and The Best Years of Our Lives. The Rules of the Game has since become regarded as a classic of prewar French realism, showcasing the elemental but also an advancement of cinematography. Empire magazine put it at number 13 in its list of "The 100 Best Films Of World Cinema" in 2010.