"L'Atalante" is the name of a barge that floats up and down the Seine River in this classic French film from director Jean Vigo, who died shortly after its initial release in 1936.
A favorite of film buffs for decades, but until now available only in a tragically aborted form, with scenes missing and terrible technical quality, "L'Atalante" has nonetheless been frequently cited as one of the best movies ever made.Needless to say, fans are rejoicing since "L'Atalante" has been the subject of a restoration project, with 10 minutes of missing footage replaced, the soundtrack cleaned up (and probably sounding better than when the film was first released) and the gorgeous black-and-white cinematography restored to its original splendor.
The story of "L'Atalante" is deceptively simple, with the barge's young captain Jean (Jean Daste) being married in the opening scenes, and taking his new wife Juliette (Dita Parlo) aboard the barge, accompanied by a colorful older sailor named Peres Jules (Michel Simon) and a cabin boy (Louis Lefevre).
Jean and Juliette are blissfully happy, despite the claustrophobic living conditions. And soon she becomes friendly with Peres Jules, who delights in sharing his eccentricities - which are considerable - with her.
But, as you might expect, time takes its toll and soon Juliette is itching to get out and see a little life beyond her domestic duties on the barge.
Reluctantly, Jean agrees to take her into Paris, but at the last minute it doesn't work out. And the next day, when they encounter a flirtatious peddler (Gilles Margaritis) at a cabaret and he later regales her with tales of Parisian nightlife, Juliette really gets restless.
Eventually, Juliette takes off for Paris alone, and jealous Jean sets sail without her. Separated, the two become increasingly unhappy, and old Peres Jules sets about to make things right between them.
Vigo's cinematic eye is excellent, especially when you consider that this was a very early French sound film. His actors are all very well-cast, with Michel Simon making a particular impression. Dita Parlo is also a standout and went on to play a role in Jean Renoir's "The Grand Illusion," also considered one of the great films of all time.
And despite the characters' unusual circumstances, the story is universal in its themes and appeal.
Lyrical and mesmerizing, "L'Atalante" is a wonderful cinematic experience. Put this one on your must-see list.