Wine in History: Vin et Lumières
Stuart Walton discusses the role of wine in early cinema, specifically through the lens of the Lumière brothers’ film Partie de Cartes.
In this foundational short film from 1895, we see three elderly men enjoying a leisurely afternoon at a café table. Two are engaged in a game of cards while a waiter arrives with a bottle and glasses, pouring what appears to be a foamy red wine. This moment captures the sociable essence of wine in French culture, transforming a mundane scene into a festive occasion. The humor is highlighted by the waiter’s theatricality, reminiscent of early silent film characters.
Partie de Cartes is one of the earliest films shot with the Lumière brothers’ Cinématographe and is known as the first film to be remade. Georges Méliès recreated it in 1896, adding his comedic flair with a female waiter and a humorous subplot involving a newspaper. This iteration maintained the celebratory aspect wine brings to the scene, enhancing the viewers’ enjoyment.
The depiction of wine in these films underscores its significance in French culture, illustrating how it transforms social interactions. The comedic elements introduced by the waiter exemplify the connection between wine and merriment.
Subsequent remakes of Partie de Cartes showcased different interpretations, adding elements like color and a broader cast to convey the vitality that wine contributes to social scenes.
Despite their initial skepticism about the commercial viability of cinema, the Lumière brothers inadvertently highlighted an important cultural truth: that the enjoyment of wine and social gatherings are part of the human experience, captured and immortalized on film.
For further exploration on the significance of wine in culture, you can visit these links: