L’Atalante

A timeless masterpiece of love and yearning, L’Atalante was the only full-length film made by Jean Vigo before his tragic early death. The film is now considered to be one of cinema’s very greatest works.

Dita Parlo stars as a young bride who begins married life aboard her husband’s barge on the Seine. But within its cramped confines, shared with a small crew (including the eccentric Père Jules, memorably played by Michel Simon) and an abundance of cats, the relationship begins to flounder. Vigo imbues this simple tale, beautifully shot by Boris Kaufman, with social realism, lyrical romance and sensual eroticism to create a unique and enduring classic.

“A cine-poem ode to the rhythms of life and love set on a barge travelling along the Seine, L’Atalante stands as one of cinema’s indisputable masterpieces.” BBC

“True filmic poetry which turns a simple love story into a raw and off-beat fairytale.” Film4

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