La collectionneuse (1967) is the third film in a set of six films— known as the Six Moral Tales— by French director, Eric Rohmer. These six films primarily focus on a male character who is on the brink of a committed relationship with an insignificant female character, yet is suddenly introduced to a seductive female character. Ultimately, in each film the male character chooses the initial, less significant female character with recognition to the fact that the seductive female assisted him in his final decision and moral growth much more than the less significant female. Eric Rohmer’s intention was to show the audience the story as opposed to telling it; this means that the film concentrates more on the characters’ mental struggles than their chosen actions. This particular film consists of three main characters: Adrian, Haydee, and Daniel who are on holiday together at Daniel’s house on a French Riviére. On this vacation, Adrian is attempting to remove himself from the day-to-day distractions of his life to fulfill his desire to be fully inactive. Unfortunately, Adrian’s life becomes more complicated through his desire of Daniel’s girl friend, Haydee, who is staying at his house. La collectionneuse devotes itself to the illustration of the relationships between the three characters.
Rohmer presented three notable themes in the film: desire, fidelity, and above all, the relations between the sexes, all of which are matters that are debated through the narration of Adrian. The theme of desire is predominantly displayed through Adrian’s sexual desire for Haydee. At one point in the film, Adrian even dares to say that the center of his entire interest is dedicated to his curiosity of her; as a result of this, Daniel is being ignored and pushed aside. The theme of fidelity is demonstrated throughout the film by the character Haydee. The film shows that she is obviously tied to Daniel, yet, she is free to behave as promiscuously as she pleases. Reinforcing the liberty of Haydee, Daniel describes her as a collector of men during a conversation between the three characters. It is from this dialogue that the title of the film is taken. Haydee disregards fidelity so much so that she is utterly indifferent to the feelings or emotions of those close to her. In addition, despite his desire for her, Adrien offers Haydee to spend the night another man. In closing, the relations between the sexes are exhibited as extremely difficult and spiteful. The film depicts that two members of the same sex will remain friendly until the introduction of a member of the opposite sex, which is when the two will begin to compete in an effort to humiliate the other in front opposite sex. Essentially, relations between the opposite sexes are shown merely as an attempt to either impress a member of the opposite sex or shame a member of the same sex. Rohmer portrays men and women as possessing a strong desire to conquer one another.
