Jean Vigo - Paulo Emilio Salles Gomes

Jean Vigo: A Life in Cinema

Jean Vigo was a French film director, screenwriter, and film critic who is considered one of the most important figures of the French New Wave. His work is characterized by its poetic realism, its use of natural light and non-professional actors, and its focus on the lives of ordinary people.

Vigo was born in Paris in 1905. His father, Eugène Bonaventure de Vigo, was a Spanish anarchist who had been exiled to France. His mother, Alice Garcia, was a French actress. Vigo's parents separated when he was young, and he was raised by his mother.

Vigo began making films in the early 1930s. His first film, "À propos de Nice" (1930), was a short documentary about the city of Nice. His second film, "Taris" (1931), was a short film about the life of a young boy in Paris.

Vigo's most famous film is "L'Atalante" (1934), which is considered one of the greatest films of all time. The film tells the story of a young couple who get married and go on a honeymoon on a barge. The film is notable for its beautiful cinematography, its use of natural sound, and its poetic realism.

Vigo died of tuberculosis in 1934 at the age of 29. He left behind a small body of work, but his films have had a profound impact on cinema. He is considered one of the most important figures of the French New Wave, and his work continues to be studied and admired by filmmakers around the world.

Vigo's Style

Vigo's films are characterized by their poetic realism, their use of natural light and non-professional actors, and their focus on the lives of ordinary people.

Vigo's poetic realism is evident in his use of everyday objects and events to create a sense of beauty and wonder. For example, in "L'Atalante," Vigo films a simple scene of a young couple eating breakfast. The scene is beautifully shot, and the use of natural light and sound creates a sense of intimacy and realism.

Vigo also uses non-professional actors to create a sense of authenticity. In "L'Atalante," the lead roles are played by Jean Dasté and Dita Parlo, who were both non-professional actors. Their performances are natural and believable, and they help to create a sense of realism in the film.

Vigo's focus on the lives of ordinary people is also evident in his films. In "L'Atalante," the film tells the story of a young couple who are struggling to make ends meet. The film is not about grand events or important people, but it is about the everyday lives of ordinary people. Vigo's films are a celebration of the human experience, and they show that even the most ordinary lives can be beautiful and meaningful.

Vigo's Influence

Vigo's work has had a profound impact on cinema. He is considered one of the most important figures of the French New Wave, and his work continues to be studied and admired by filmmakers around the world.

Vigo's influence can be seen in the work of many filmmakers, including François Truffaut, Jean-Luc Godard, and Agnès Varda. These filmmakers were all inspired by Vigo's use of natural light, non-professional actors, and his focus on the lives of ordinary people.

Vigo's work has also had an impact on American cinema. Filmmakers such as John Cassavetes, Martin Scorsese, and Spike Lee have all been influenced by Vigo's work. These filmmakers have used Vigo's techniques to create their own unique styles of filmmaking.

Vigo's work is a testament to the power of cinema. His films are beautiful, moving, and thought-provoking. They are a reminder that even the most ordinary lives can be beautiful and meaningful.

Why You Should Read This Book

This book is a comprehensive and authoritative biography of Jean Vigo. It is written by Paulo Emilio Salles Gomes, one of the world's leading film scholars. The book is based on extensive research, and it includes many rare photographs and documents.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in film history. It is a fascinating and informative account of the life and work of one of the most important filmmakers of all time.

Conclusion

Jean Vigo was a brilliant filmmaker who made a significant contribution to cinema. His work is characterized by its poetic realism, its use of natural light and non-professional actors, and its focus on the lives of ordinary people. Vigo's films are a celebration of the human experience, and they show that even the most ordinary lives can be beautiful and meaningful.

This book is a comprehensive and authoritative biography of Jean Vigo. It is a must-read for anyone interested in film history.