But François is not satisfied with one happiness; he believes in the multiplication of joy. While on a business trip, he begins an affair with Émilie (Marie-France Boyer), a postal worker. He does not hide this affair out of guilt, but rather presents it to Thérèse as a logical extension of his philosophy: "I love you both. More love for me means more love for you."
: This paper argues that Varda critiques 1960s consumerism and the objectification of women by using the visual language of Pop Art and advertising. le bonheur 1965
Le Bonheur was controversial upon release, with some critics missing the irony and taking the story as an endorsement of polygamy or a trivialization of death. However, it has been re-evaluated as a vital work of feminist cinema. But François is not satisfied with one happiness;
Agnès Varda Country: France Language: French Genre: Drama / Romance Runtime: 80 minutes Color: Eastmancolor More love for me means more love for you
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The film's most radical moment occurs after this confession. Thérèse seems to accept the situation, and the couple makes love. However, while François sleeps, Thérèse wanders away and is later found drowned in a nearby lake. Varda leaves it ambiguous whether this is a suicide or a tragic accident, forcing the audience to grapple with the consequences of François's selfish worldview. The film concludes with François, after a brief period of mourning, bringing Émilie into his home to take Thérèse's place. By autumn, the family is once again happy, having seamlessly replaced one wife and mother with another.