If true, it might have allowed the actors to give a longer, more involved performance. It certainly seems that way. The actors' conversations, though long, are very engrossing. Whether the tone is light and playful, like the old men sitting and drinking or serious and sober, like the family discussing the future of the baby, the actors really hit their stride. In addition to the great acting and dialogue, there is a satisfying undertone to the whole picture, one of decency.
People do the right thing for the right reasons.
For example, Panisse wants to marry Fanny, not to take advantage of her desperation, but because he truly loves her and wants to help raise her child. Cesar goes to Fanny's room when he hears his son is in town. He sees how much the two lovers still want each other, but he still convinces Marius to walk away and Fanny to let him go. When Marius' temper flares, Cesar seems willing to let his own son attack him, rather than let any harm come to Fanny and Panisse's family. Maybe the most amazing thing about this second film is that the situation presents so much room for shame and hurt, yet everyone acts nobly to make the best of the bad situation.