The Cinematheque

New Restoration

“Riveting … An inexhaustible source of cinematic magic.”

Kristin Jones, Wall Street Journal

Jean Vigo’s only feature is one of cinema’s most intoxicating and suggestive masterpieces—a simple tale of love and loss imbued with astonishing poetry. When hopeful young bride Juliette (Dita Parlo) joins new husband Jean (Jean Dasté) aboard his river-faring barge, the exciting adventures she’s dreamed of prove elusive, and she must contend with a crusty first mate, a dimwitted cabin boy, and a herd of mangy cats. Vigo’s wonderful film evocatively blends realism and surrealism and has an infectious anarchic spirit. Celebrated character actor Michel Simon shines as Père Jules, the mate, whose cluttered quarters are a surrealist treasure trove. L’Atalante was mutilated by its distributors and a commercial shipwreck upon release; it would be years before the film received its due or could be viewed in a version matching Vigo’s original vision.

“One of the most beautiful and haunting movies ever made … It defines what is meant by the poetry of cinema.”

Philip French

“One of cinema’s greatest masterpieces … The loveliest, least maudlin study of human desire ever committed to film.”

Geoff Andrew, Time Out

“If you have never seen L’Atalante, one can only envy the experience you are about to have.”

TIFF