Review of L'Atalante (1934) by Evan M — 03 Jun 2008
The story behind the creation of L'Atalante is almost as fascinating as the film itself. This was Jean Vigo's second, and ultimately last film. What amazes me about this film is that a 29 year old on his deathbed made this humane, wise, and ultimately hopeful film as he was succumbing to cancer.
It feels like all of the reasons one loves cinema put into one fantastic movie. It tells the simple story of a villiage girl that marries the captain of a riverboat, and it chronicles the next steps in their marriage.
Vigo turns this simple scenario into a masterwork of unbridaled beauty. It's difficult to put into words what makes this wistful, and often evasive film so magical, but I think it may be that final shot of absolute hope in the face of the worlds weight, shouted from the rooftops by a man who knew this would be his final statement on earth.
Unbelievable.
This review of L'Atalante (1934) was written by Evan M on 03 Jun 2008.
L'Atalante has generally received very positive reviews.
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