favorite movie #39: orphée (orpheus)

Favorite movies that have had an impact on me - #39 - Orphée (Orpheus) (1950) - There is something eternally modern about Jean Cocteau's update of the Greek myth about Orpheus and Eurydice. It is also magical and beautiful to behold. Not simply a retelling of the story, Cocteau's film is a work of art. Orpheus (Jean Marais) meets a beautiful woman, The Princess (María Casares), who, with her chauffeur Heurtebise (François Périer) and an entourage of motorcycle riders seem to herald the oncoming death of someone nearby. Orpheus becomes obsessed with the Princess and the poetry that is broadcast from the radio of her Rolls Royce. His wife Eurydice (Marie Déa) seems to fade into the background. Mirrors, death, love, art are all major themes here, and Cocteau masterfully creates an enchanting, intriguing, unforgettable film. A true masterpiece.

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