I just saw this movie, and this scene with the men in the tree getup, wallowing in mud and scaring women confuses me. Was this some kind of strange festival, or was this scene symbolic in some way, perhaps having something to do with the tree experts?
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I think it was saying something. Not sure what, though it was a little disturbing. I though how unfortunate it was she walked into this strange town where they all closed the windows and doors. Shutting her out. Were they dressed as radishes?
If I cold be anyman, I'd be a peliman
Here's one of those weird coincidences: I finished the movie last night and was also freaked out by the bizarre tree ritual. This morning I randomly came across a description of this ritual which is an ancient pagan version of the "Lubicalia", held in February, which has come down to us as Valentine's day. The idea is that if a maiden is "christened" with wine or goat's milk, she will become fertile. How ironic that this act seems to hasten Mona final demise.
shareI think you mean Lupercalia.
shareGood weird coincidence, thank you. (I don't care if it's been 5 years btw)
This info kind of fills in a blank from the very beginning, when the interviewed peasant says she was drenched in residue from a vine vat.
Try googling "green man".
It is a European pagan symbol as well an excuse to drink too much because you are dressed like a tree!
It's a wine festival. People in Europe actually do these things.
Like throwing tomatoes at each other in Spain.
ENOUGH from the clown!!!!!!!!
I think it was meant to terrify Mona on a different level. They emphasize her freedom so much during the film, that when she happens across the one time of the year when the villagers are allowed to run wild and be as free, it scared her.
The truth ain't like a bunch of puppies running around you pick your favorite!
It is, as mentioned, part of an annual Wine Festival in the Nimes region, the Criterion dvd release booklet also has this scene chapter down as 'Wine Festival' but true its a bit freaky!
Andy
I couldn't wait to see what there was written about the tree scene, bc I was like WTF? This film was painfully disturbing to watch. But I did and I'm glad I did it bc now I know if I'm in France and tree people seem to be attacking me, I will know it's just time to party! Wow! This film was def something to talk about!
I might as well enjoy my life and watch the stars play...........