Claire's Knee is a 1970 French film directed by Eric Rohmer as part of his series of films called Six Moral Tales. The protagonist, Jerôme, is a diplomat who visits his friend's house in a small town near Lake Annecy. There he meets an introspective teenager named Laura, who lives in the area with her mother. Jerôme is intrigued by Laura’s wit and charm, and enjoys spending time with her. Laura’s older sister, Claire, is also visiting for the summer, and Jerôme becomes increasingly interested in her.
Jerôme is engaged to be married to a woman he loves, but he becomes fascinated with the idea of touching Claire’s knee. He concocts elaborate scenarios in his mind, trying to convince himself that he only wants to touch her knee as an innocent gesture, but his emotions become increasingly complex. Meanwhile, he tries to navigate the confusing emotional landscape of friendship, desire, and obligation.
Over the course of the film, the relationships between these characters become increasingly complex and tangled. Despite their age difference, Jerôme begins to see Laura as a potential romantic interest, while Claire seems oblivious to his intense feelings. The film explores themes of desire, morality, and the fragility of human relationships.
