L'ATALANTE

Year: 1934
UK: Artificial Eye
Cast: Michel Simon, Dita Parlo, Jean Daste, Gilles Margaritis, Louis Lefebvre, Maurice Gilles, Rafa Diligent, Claude Aveline, Rene Blech, Fanny Clar, Charles Goldblatt, Paul Grimault, Genya Lozinska, Gen Paul, Jacques Prevert, Pierre Prevert, Albert Riera, Lou Tchimoukoff
Director: Jean Vigo
Country: France
Language: French (English subtitles)
UK: 89 mins
UK Certificate: PG
UK Release Date: 29 April 2005 (Limited Re-release -London)

Synopsis

Although Jean Vigo died at the age of 29 having made just four films - of which L'ATALANTE and ZERO DE CONDUITE are undisputed masterpieces - he is unquestionably one of the great masters of French cinema. Vigo's body of work has been celebrated the world over for its consummate artistry and far reaching influence.

L`ATALANTE (1934) is one of the great classics of French Cinema. This version was carefully restored according to the director's original intentions and includes previously missing footage, rediscovered in the eighties. It was premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 1990 to a great critical acclaim and enjoyed a record-breaking revival. It is a film of extraordinary lyricism and beauty that manages to combine wild comedy with romantic yearning.

A young barge captain. Jean (Jean Daste) takes his peasant bride, Juliette (Dita Parlo), to live afloat on the barge L`Atalante, which plies the Seine. The couple began married life in the company of the eccentric crew and a large collection of cats. Conflict arises when Juliette is seduced by the bright lights of Paris.

ARTIFICIAL EYE is pleased to present three films by the great Jean Vigo to celebrate the centenary of his birth (26 April 1905 - 5 October 1934): L`ATALANTE, ZERO DE CONDUITE and A PROPOS DE NICE at The Renoir Cinema from 29 April to 5 May 2005.