Sunday, June 24, 2007

Kieslowski Screening at the Astor

Just a quick reminder for those Melbournians who are interested in the films of Krzyzstof Kieslowski. There is a screening of his La double vie de Véronique (The Double Life of Veronique, 1991) at 7.30pm tomorrow (Monday 24 June) at the Astor Theatre. I know nothing about this film, other than Véronique is played by Irène Jacob, who also starred in Kieslowski's sublime Three Colours: Red, as the main protagonist, Valentine Dussaut against the antagonist retired magistrate, played by Jean-Louis Trintignant.

At Cannes Film Festival 1991, Jacob won best actress award for her performance, while Kieslowski was honoured with winning the Ecumenic Jury and FIPRESCI awards for the film.

I consider Kieslowski one of the very best directors, and am making a point of seeing this film for the first time (I have the DVD, which hasn't been viewed yet). Screening after Véronique is Diva (Jean-Jacques Beineix, 1981). Beineix is probably best known for directing 37°2 le matin (Betty Blue, 1986).

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Double Life of Veronique is a nothing else but masterpiece. In my opinion, I think it's his best film. If you like Three Colours Blue, then you will love this film. Technically, there are similarities in terms of direction and constant use of music so there will be some familiarity. He made the Three Colours films after he made this film. Kieslowski was maturing into one of the world's best filmmakers when his life was cut way too short. Imagine the films he would have made in the last 10 years!

Paul Martin said...

Marty, I've gleaned a sense that this film is something special, by comments I have heard or seen about this film. I find Kieslowski's work profound, sublime, maybe even transcendent. I've been trying to convince my partner Zoe to come along, as she was similarly affected by the Kieslowksi screenings at Melbourne Cinémathèque earlier this year. But she can't make it.

I am saddened to think that this great director was so young (54), and still peaking in his mastery of cinema when he was cut down by death. Imagine, indeed!

I haven't double-checked, but looking at the credits for this film, it looks like he's used the same composer and co-writer as Three Colours: Blue