The Bottom Line
“L’Atalante” is a cinepoem that is infused with an evocative mood of lyrical, bittersweet romance, and I think it is one of the greatest movies ever made.
Pros
- Masterpiece of world cinema
- Poetic and lyrical
- Enchanting sequences of images and music
Cons
- Not plot-driven (could be a pro)
- Subtle and elliptical (could be a pro)
- DVD provides no scholarly commentary track
Description
- DVD containing restored version (2001) of French-language film “L’Atalante” (1934)
- Movie is number 15 in “Sight & Sound” 2002 Critics' Poll ranking of all-time greatest films
- DVD provides 20-minute featurette that is an appreciation by two film scholars
- DVD contains production stills, behind-the-scenes photos, and poster gallery
- Good picture quality
- Good sound quality
Guide Review - “L’Atalante” DVD Review
"L’Atalante" is a cinepoem that is infused with an evocative mood of lyrical, bittersweet romance, and I think it is one of the greatest movies ever made. In the film, an attractive young woman marries a man who operates a river barge, where the newlyweds live with a salty first mate, a klutzy cabin boy, and a bunch of cats. Although barge life is tedious, the young marrieds are in love, and the bride seems to be adapting. But when the strong-willed wife and the controlling husband get into a hassle over her enjoying Paris, he abandons her. Every time I see the film, I find the motif of looking for one’s true love underwater deeply moving. Jean Vigo brings everything to a kind of cinematic life that still looks innovative today.
