Le testament d'Orphée, ou ne me demandez pas pourquoi! (1960)

User Rating:

7.3/10   

Director:

Jean Cocteau

Writer:

Jean Cocteau (writer)

Release Date:

18 February 1960 (France)

Genre:

Biography | Drama

Plot:

The Poet looks back over his life and work, recalling his inspirations and obsessions.

Plot Keywords:

Poet | Dream Like | Art | Breaking The Fourth Wall | Time Travel

Awards:

Nominated for BAFTA Film Award.

Cast

Jean Cocteau

...

Himself - the Poet

Also Known As:

Le testament d'Orphée (France) (short title)
The Testament of Orpheus (USA)

Runtime:

Germany:79 min | UK:83 min | USA:79 min

Country:

France

Language:

French

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Finland:K-12 | Sweden:11 | UK:15 | West Germany:16 (w)

Filming Locations:

France

Company:

Les Editions Cinégraphiques

Trivia:

Having run out of funds, Cocteau was able to complete the film with the prize money that Francois Truffaut had just won for "Les Quatre Cents Coups" (1959).

Quotes:

Cégeste: It's no use. An artist always paints his own portrait. You'll never paint that flower.

Movie Connections:

Follows Orphée (1950)

Another magical and surreal movie from Jean Cocteau

"The Testament of Orpheus" is the last film by Jean Cocteau, and even if it isn't as mind blowing as either "Orpheus" or "Beauty and the Beast", its still a captivating and dreamlike work of art. Jean Cocteau plays himself, "The Poet", who wanders into a bizarre landscape (not unlike that in "Orpheus") inhabited by various creations of his who blame him for their misfortunes. While if most other artists attempted to make a film like this, it would come off as showy egotism, Cocteau manages to make it feel as anything but. He raises some interesting questions about the nature of art and the importance of the artist to modern society. Also, the film is remarkably original, possibly the first true "meta-movie" ever made.

On a technical level, this is exquisite as well. Cocteau's direction is wonderfully magical and surreal. His special effects and camera tricks are always a highlight of his work. Hes obsessed with presenting many simplistic tricks that are easy to figure out but carry a true sense of otherworldly beauty. Even if one isn't interested in Cocteau's intellectual quest, they'll be captivated by the visuals themselves. The addition of several entertaining cameos (including Yul Brunner and Pablo Picasso) is only the icing on the cake. Cocteau creates surreal art films that are never boring, which is quite rare. (8/10)