Trois couleurs: Rouge 1994
The third and final film of the trilogy, Three Colors: Red, is more layered compared to the first film of the trilogy. White is about equality, blue is about freedom, and red is about brotherhood. Set in the city of Geneva, Switzerland, the film contains multiple linear narrative stories that are easier to follow than the other two films in the trilogy. The film opens with a phone call between Valentine, a university student working part-time between London and Geneva, and her distant but possessive boyfriend. Valentine later meets retired Judge Joseph Kern, who lives alone and accidentally injures his dog in an accident. Valentine’s life becomes more interesting after befriending the old judge. Unbeknownst to her, a series of coincidences follows and she learns the truth after a tragic event. Another contemporary story tells the experience of Auguste, a law student and Valentine’s neighbor, who is betrayed by his girlfriend Karin. The film explores relationships between people, discussing themes of friendship and betrayal. It addresses factors that hinder understanding and closeness between individuals. The director heavily incorporates phone conversations in the film, emphasizing the difficulty of expressing emotions adequately. Curiosity about what people behind windows are experiencing, seeking an escape from problems, searching for a way out, and approaching others form the pattern of the film. Throughout the film, red is prominently used in phone signals, restaurant scenes, car scenes, and advertisements. Red, one of the colors of the French flag, can be said to symbolize love, which binds people together and therefore dominates the film.
