Filmakers like Varda were so far ahead of their time. As we lose some of these great filmakers it's like we only had them for a blink of an eye and did not get the full body of their potential work. I really like Vagabond. It's truly a cinematic work of art. There were truly some great independent films from the 80's and 90's.
Don't forget about her brilliant films of the 1980s -- arguably her best, in my view: Vagabond, Documenteur, Mur Murs, Ulysses. Her greatest concern across all of her films is really the practice of image-making itself and of course, empathy for her subjects.
Dang. This was exactly the kind of video I was hoping for when I searched her name on CZcams. It was so perfect that I excitedly went to see what other videos the channel had, to my dismay, this is it.
I'll have to look into her movies since I've enjoyed samples of various "French New Wave" film over the years. Never heard the name until a few dozen clicks backwards on YTube on a search for Godard themes.
Demy wasn’t technically part of the New Wave, neither was Varda, but they were from the same region and time period. Her style was a blend of documentarian observation merged with scripted storytelling and an emphasis on humanity. Even in Vagabond, a tragic story about an unsympathetic drifter, she captures small moments of humanity and even humor. Cleo from 5-7 is about a self-absorbed singer who is passing the time as she waits to receive the results of a health checkup and she’s convinced that the tarot reading has foretold an unfortunate result. Yet the film is shot in a way that feels like a travelogue around the city, taking excursions and deviations in a way that feels both familiar yet completely new and singular. Her documentaries and short films are full of joy as she injects her own perspective on a number of different subjects whether it’s meeting a relative in California, getting to know “gleaners”, her “vlogging series” meeting different artists and filmmakers. Her voice is such a breath of fresh air no matter her subject or format.
It's true that she wasn't really a part of the New Wave, but La Pointe Courte kicked off a great deal of the techniques and idiosyncrasies that it would become famous for -- hence why she is credited as its grand/mother (a somewhat condescending and exclusionary designation, if you ask me). But I totally agree right that she otherwise followed the beat of her own drum.
She was part of the "Left Blank" movement, a group of filmmakers that distinct themselves from the new wave Cahiers du Cinema critics turned directors, by being considerably less "movie crazed" relatively older, having a passion for left wing politics and instead of having a critic background, they were either documentalists or writers from the "new novel" literary movement. This group also included Alain Resnais, Chris Marker, Marguerite Duras and Alain Robbe-Grillet.
Salut les Cubains is my favourite short of hers! Check out Le Bonheur as well! I watched Jane B par Agnes V but I couldn’t really make sense of it, I’d love to hear anyone’s thoughts on it!
Filmakers like Varda were so far ahead of their time. As we lose some of these great filmakers it's like we only had them for a blink of an eye and did not get the full body of their potential work. I really like Vagabond. It's truly a cinematic work of art. There were truly some great independent films from the 80's and 90's.
Don't forget about her brilliant films of the 1980s -- arguably her best, in my view: Vagabond, Documenteur, Mur Murs, Ulysses. Her greatest concern across all of her films is really the practice of image-making itself and of course, empathy for her subjects.
Le Bonheur is also one of her masterpieces
It’s on my list to check out! Thanks for reminding me to actually pop it in!
My fave is Cleo from 5 to 7.
Dang. This was exactly the kind of video I was hoping for when I searched her name on CZcams. It was so perfect that I excitedly went to see what other videos the channel had, to my dismay, this is it.
All of her films are streaming now of the Criterion Channel app, for Roku, Fire, Windows, etc. www.criterionchannel.com/
I'm so sorry for the late reply! Just uploaded a new video, there will be more to come very soon!
Just watched vagabond. Very very powerful film making.
Love her short film work primarily. Uncle Yanco and Black Panthers have always been favourites.
Thank you for this concise and insightful lesson. I look forward to seeing more from you. You have inspired me to watch Cleo!
So glad that you enjoyed it! That is much appreciated. Glad I could inspire you to check her out!
great intro to one of the most influential french directors
love her so much!
She’s an absolute legend! One of the undisputed greats.
Thanks for making this :)
I'll have to look into her movies since I've enjoyed samples of various "French New Wave" film over the years. Never heard the name until a few dozen clicks backwards on YTube on a search for Godard themes.
Thank you so much. THIS IS GOLD.
You're very welcome!
Thank you for your explain and your video, I learned more about Agnes from you.｡◕‿◕｡
Demy wasn’t technically part of the New Wave, neither was Varda, but they were from the same region and time period. Her style was a blend of documentarian observation merged with scripted storytelling and an emphasis on humanity. Even in Vagabond, a tragic story about an unsympathetic drifter, she captures small moments of humanity and even humor. Cleo from 5-7 is about a self-absorbed singer who is passing the time as she waits to receive the results of a health checkup and she’s convinced that the tarot reading has foretold an unfortunate result. Yet the film is shot in a way that feels like a travelogue around the city, taking excursions and deviations in a way that feels both familiar yet completely new and singular. Her documentaries and short films are full of joy as she injects her own perspective on a number of different subjects whether it’s meeting a relative in California, getting to know “gleaners”, her “vlogging series” meeting different artists and filmmakers. Her voice is such a breath of fresh air no matter her subject or format.
It's true that she wasn't really a part of the New Wave, but La Pointe Courte kicked off a great deal of the techniques and idiosyncrasies that it would become famous for -- hence why she is credited as its grand/mother (a somewhat condescending and exclusionary designation, if you ask me). But I totally agree right that she otherwise followed the beat of her own drum.
She was part of the "Left Blank" movement, a group of filmmakers that distinct themselves from the new wave Cahiers du Cinema critics turned directors, by being considerably less "movie crazed" relatively older, having a passion for left wing politics and instead of having a critic background, they were either documentalists or writers from the "new novel" literary movement. This group also included Alain Resnais, Chris Marker, Marguerite Duras and Alain Robbe-Grillet.
may her memory be a blessing
I just recently watch her film "Le Bonheur" and it uses colors as some kind of meaning.
Do you guys know???
Salut les Cubains is my favourite short of hers! Check out Le Bonheur as well! I watched Jane B par Agnes V but I couldn’t really make sense of it, I’d love to hear anyone’s thoughts on it!
fwiw, all of Varda's films, with extras, now streaming on The Criterion Channel, June 2021.
Please continue (if possible) - with other directors
I just uploaded a new video featuring another great director! There will be more videos soon!
le bonheur!
Lions Love (...and Lies)
Salut les Cubains!
What film is that at 0:55 ?
Black Panthers (1968)
@@berinburce ta!
Vagabond, also Uncle Yanco
Vagabond is an excellent film! I love the way that picture is shot and how it uses color wisely.
SIYAVASH JAMALI🤠🤠🤠
Well done! However, "Ah-n-yes" is closer to the French pronunciation.
If you're going to make a video "explaining" Varda, learn to pronounce her first name correctly.