this is chess.

An overdue appraisal of a film I didn't actually rewatch. Not really a reappraisal for that matter, my memories are two years old (circa 2018). I was prompted to write a few thoughts because of another Rivette film recommended as a starting point, la bande des quatre. It's often d as an accessible synthesis of Rivette's preoccupations, his prowess, his maturity– a film that's neither a favorite nor one I like as much as this one. But, suddenly... I'm uncertain.…