âCleo from 5 to 7â, âHappinessâ, âWithout a roof, outlawedâ, âOne sings, the other does notâ - films that made the audience remember Agnes Varda. An experimental approach, interest in social issues, documentary realism are the components of the success of a woman directorâs paintings. What can you tell about her life and creative achievements?
Agnes Varda: the beginning of the road
A woman who made a significant contribution to the development of world cinema was born in Brussels. It happened in May 1928. Agnes Varda was born into the family of a Frenchwoman and an immigrant from the Middle East. Unfortunately, there is practically no information about her childhood.
After graduating from school, Agnes continued her education at the Sorbonne, where she studied psychology and literature. For some time, Varda was going to become a museum curator, but her interest in the art of photography made her change her mind. The girl quickly managed to establish herself as a first-class photographer, then she mastered the profession of photojournalist.
From photographers to directors
In 1954, Agnes Varda went to the fishing village of Pointe-Kurt. The request of a terminally ill friend who wanted to see photos of his native places made her do this. The history of the village made such a strong impression on the girl that she decided to make a feature film about this place.
The debut picture of Agnes tells the story of a young couple, which circumstances force them to settle in a small fishing village. The boy and girl are trying to establish their love and family relationships. The film, which was released in 1955, was called Pointe-Kurt. It is interesting that not only professional actors, but also ordinary inhabitants of the village took part in the work on it.
"Cleo 5 to 7"
Then Agnes Varda presented several short films to the audience court. Then the female director began work on her second full-length picture. The film, called "Cleo from 5 to 7," was released in 1962.
A comedy drama tells about two hours from the life of a young pop singer. The Frenchwoman is waiting for the results of tests that should confirm or deny the presence of her cancer. The film raises many topical issues; it is also interesting with a pronounced feminist approach.
"Happiness"
âHappinessâ is the first color film presented by the film director Agnes Varda to the audience. The picture tells the story of a âhappyâ family. For a while, her husband manages to pose as an exemplary family man and hide from everyone his relationship with his mistress. One day, the wife finds out about many years of treason, and despair makes her lay hands on herself. The widower almost immediately brings her lover in her place, and his happy and serene life continues.
The painting "Happiness" was released in 1965. Agnes herself described this film as "a beautiful fruit with a cruel taste."
Interesting movies
The next famous brainchild of Agnes was released in 1976. The tape âOne sings, the other does notâ covers the story of two women who have practically nothing in common. One of the heroines was born in a prosperous family, became a famous singer. Another spent her childhood and youth in a poor village, gave birth to two children out of wedlock. The film raises a variety of issues, ranging from female friendships to the legalization of abortion.
The painting "Without a roof, outlawed" was presented to the audience in 1984. The drama tells the moving story of a young tramp named Mona. The girl strives for freedom, she is burdened by the shackles of modern society. However, she fails to escape from captivity, and she dies.
Filmography
What paintings did Agnes Varda manage to make by age 89? The filmography of the film director contains tapes, a list of which is presented below:
- Pointe-Kurt.
- "Cleo from 5 to 7."
- "Happiness".
- "Creations."
- "Lion's love."
- "Types from Daguerre Street."
- "One sings, the other does not."
- "Without a roof, outlawed."
- "Jane B. through the eyes of Agnes W."
- "Kung Fu Master."
- "Point of View" (TV series).
- "Jaco from Nantes."
- "One Hundred and One Nights of Simon Cinema."
- "The universe of Jacques Demy."
- "Gatherers and Gatherer."
- "Gatherers and gatherer ... two years later."
- âAgnes Coastâ.
âFaces, villagesâ is the directorâs newest picture at the moment. The documentary will appeal to those who are attracted by the opportunity to travel through the French suburbs. First of all, he talks about the beauty of the world.
Personal life
The director and screenwriter Jacques Demy is a man who has been married to Agnes Varda for many years. The biography of the star indicates that he was her only true love. This talented man is known as the creator of the films âCherbourg Umbrellasâ, âGirls from Rochefortâ, âSeven Deadly Sinsâ, âSlightly Pregnantâ. Jacques passed away in October 1990, and his death was a heavy blow to Agnes.
To survive the loss, the director helped her favorite work. Varda dedicated the movie "Jaco of Nantes" to the memory of her deceased husband. This picture tells the fascinating story of the life and death of Jacques Demy. Artistic episodes of the tape skillfully combined with documentary shots.