Agnès Varda
The films of Agnès Varda are works of art. A photographer turned film maker Varda’s films are moving pictures in a way that is not just moving image, not just motion captured photographs but more a series of fluid, stylish and beautiful tableaux.
The Beaches Of Agnès (shown recently at the Wellington International Film Festival along with her classic Clèo From 5 to 7), has the 80-year-old telling her own life story. In one way it is a companion piece to her classic tribute to husband Jacques Demy Jacquot de Nantes. As she visits the sites of her life she illustrates events with re-enactment and ponders the meaning of her journey. Varda has led a fascinating life and finds an interesting way of leading you through it. She utilises mirrors, fish nets, boats, people and storytelling with the energy and inspired invention of a spritely youngster who belies her age at every turn.
The Wellington Film Society has a rare chance to witness two sets of her short films coming up. They span her career from 1957-2003. This is one of the greatest film makers of the last century and any chance to see her work should be grasped. Monday 6.15pm Paramount, memberships on the door, 3 film samplers.
