Pacific Film Archive makes Eric Rohmer’s ‘Four Seasons’ films available for streaming

Amanda Langlet and Melvil Poupaud in Eric Rohmer's 1996 film "A Summer's Tale." Photo: Big World Pictures

The nice thing about the Pacific Film Archives’ streamed programs is that they offer movies you can’t find anywhere else. Case in point are French filmmaker Éric Rohmer’s “Tales of the Four Seasons,” four films made in the 1990s.

Rohmer’s films tend to be about two things — human connection and the quest for human connection. His characters are often hyper-verbal, examining and describing their feelings in the midst of having them. His movies have a huge family resemblance to each other, but they’re like no one else’s.

When other people try to make films like Rohmer’s, they end up with something precious, boring or both. But Rohmer’s work has a purity and obsessiveness to it. It always feels true. You can stream all four of the ‘Four Seasons’ films through July 18, for a fee, at the Pacific Film Archive website.

Éric Rohmer’s "Tales of the Four Seasons": Available to stream through July 18. Individual film rentals $12, $8 for members. $40 rental package includes all four films.

  • Mick LaSalle