Director Agnès Varda: biography, filmography

2024 Author: Leah Sherlock | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 05:25

"Cleo from 5 to 7", "Happiness", "Without a roof, outlaw", "One sings, the other does not" - the films that made the audience remember Agnès Varda. An experimental approach, interest in social issues, documentary realism are the components of the success of the films of a woman director. What can you tell about her life and creative achievements?

Agnes Varda: the beginning of the journey

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 to a French mother and an immigrant from the Middle East. Unfortunately, there is practically no information about her childhood.

After leaving school, Agnes continued her education at the Sorbonne, where she studied psychology and literature. For a while, 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 declare herself as a first-class photographer, then she mastered the profession of a photojournalist.

From photographers to directors

In 1954, Agnès Varda went to the fishing village of Pointe Court. Make it herI was forced by the request of a terminally ill friend who wanted to see photographs of his native places. The history of the village made such a strong impression on the girl that she decided to make a feature film about this place.

Agnès' debut film tells the story of a young couple forced by circumstances to settle in a small fishing village. A young man and a girl are trying to improve their love and family relationships. The film, which was released in 1955, was called Pointe Court. 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

Next Agnès Varda presented several short films to the audience. The female director then set to work on her second feature film. The film, called "Cleo from 5 to 7", was released in 1962.

Comedy-drama tells about two hours in the life of a young pop singer. A French woman is waiting for the results of tests that should confirm or deny the presence of her cancer. The film raises many topical issues, and is also interesting for its pronounced feminist approach.

Happiness

"Happiness" - the first color film, which was presented to the audience by the film director Agnès Varda. The picture tells the story of a "happy" family. For some time, the husband manages to pose as an exemplary family man and hide his relationship with his mistress from everyone. One day the wife finds out about the long-termtreason, and despair makes her lay hands on herself. The widower almost immediately brings his mistress to her place, and his happy and serene life continues.

The picture "Happiness" was released in 1965. Agnes herself described the film as "beautiful fruit with a cruel taste."

Interesting movies

The next famous creation of Agnes was released in 1976. The tape "One sings, the other does not" 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 issues ranging from female friendship to the legalization of abortion.

The painting "Without a roof, outside the law" was presented to the audience in 1984. The drama tells the touching story of a young tramp named Mona. The girl strives for freedom, she is weighed down by the fetters of modern society. However, she fails to escape from captivity, and she dies.

Filmography

What pictures did Agnès Varda shoot by the age of 89? The filmography of the film director contains tapes, the list of which is presented below:

• Pointe Courte.
• "Cleo 5 to 7".
• "Happiness".
• "Creations".
• "Lion Love".
• "Types from Daguerra Street".
• "One sings, the other doesn't."
• "No roof, outlaw."
• "Jane B. through the eyes of Agnes V."
• Kung Fu Master.
• "Point of View" (TV series).
• "Jaco fromNantes.”
• "One Hundred and One Nights of Simon Cinema"
• "The Universe of Jacques Demy".
• "Gatherers and Gatherer".
• "Gatherers and Gatherer…two years later."
• "Agnes Coast".

"Faces, Villages" is the director's latest film to date. The documentary will appeal to those who are attracted by the opportunity to travel around the French outskirts. First of all, he talks about the beauty of the world.

Private life

Director and screenwriter Jacques Demy is a man married to Agnès Varda for many years. The biography of the star indicates that he was her only true love. This talented person is known as the creator of the films "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg", "Girls from Rochefort", "The Seven Deadly Sins", "Slightly Pregnant". Jacques passed away in October 1990, and his death was a heavy blow for Agnes.

The beloved work helped the filmmaker to survive the loss. Varda dedicated the film Jaco of Nantes to the memory of her deceased husband. This painting tells the fascinating story of the life and death of Jacques Demy. The artistic episodes of the tape are skillfully combined with documentary footage.