The 1961 French New Wave classic LAST YEAR AT MARIENBAD is getting a major theatrical reissue through Rialto Pictures, so I just saw it for the first time recently. And it has many instances of people standing frozen or near-motionless throughout. The story is an elliptical, dream-like circle about memory and obsession, and the many moments of still people are meant to reflect a sort of empty feeling of set dressing among its ornate setting. It is a direct influence on filmmakers like David Lynch as well as commercials and fashion shoots: star Delphine Seyrig's costumes were designed by an uncredited Coco Chanel.
There is an OOP DVD that can be located, though there will be a much better one in the near future from The Criterion Collection. Otherwise, it is worth trying to see the film on a big screen if it should get booked at a revival theatre or film series near you.
Last Year at Marienbad
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this actually used to be one of my favorite french films, but i have to admit i can't watch it anymore "normally" because all the freezing distracts me from the film (which is pretty dense and complicated.)
it's a stellar film.
and it has great freezes.
i reccommend it as well. i recently sold my copy on ebay for like $90. (it's OOP, as the poster said.)
but hopefully, when it comes out on criterion you all can get it much cheaper and a great print of it.
it's a stellar film.
and it has great freezes.
i reccommend it as well. i recently sold my copy on ebay for like $90. (it's OOP, as the poster said.)
but hopefully, when it comes out on criterion you all can get it much cheaper and a great print of it.
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