I'll say it again. This film is THE apothesis of intellectual French glamour
I have a bad reputation for playing this movie each and every time I have guests over. I found my copy of "Last Year At Marienbad" five years ago at one of those discount DVD emporiums on 14th Street. It was in the "dirty cult " bin (alongside Pasolini's "Salo") and I picked it up for $6.99. So why was I seduced by Criterion's new $40 edition. That sleek, insanely subtle packaging, the virtues of which will fail to translate on a flat computer screen. The double set DVD comes in a discrete white box with the title presented as raised text on the sturdy white cardboard. White on white... raised text...my eyes flicker from the sexiness. It was only while watching the actual DVD that I realized Criterion's graphic designer had referenced the design style of the actual film's opening credits to create a tactile rendition of the idea. Needless to say, this new transfer is immaculate, with better subtitles and images that don't hop and crackle on screen the way its $6.99 predecessor did. Coco Chanel's costumes are rendered with even better detail here and the whole thing is just an apotheosis. Next time you come over for drink, guess what we'll be watching?
Agreed!
I discovered the film as a 14 year old when my fave band at the time, BLUR, made a video to the song, "To the End" (w/ the letitia of Stereolab on vocals) inspired by Last Year at Marienbad.
Resnais is a genius. And so is Coco Chanel for the brilliant costume design that she did for the film.
FINALLY, one last drool: the design of the DVD cover (white on white w/ texture) is fantastic too.
Over & out:
www.fashionminute.blogspot.com
Last Year
It is one of the most important films ever to have been created. The subject being Time,Memory and Perception and the inhabitants of the hotel may be the walking dead. Much of the plot is detailed in the opening play within the film and also reflected in the conversations that take place in the party after the play. If you keep your eye out you will see a cameo by Alfred Hitchcock, a cardboard cut out in a darken hallway.
The actress they originally wanted they could not get. It was Kim Novak. 'Vertigo' was an immense influence on the film.
Delphine Seyrig the lead actress a year prior was in Hollywood filming three episodes of a Desilu production, a sitcom called 'Pete and Gladys'. Could Lucille Ball had led the way to Marienbad?
"Marienbad' no doubt influenced 2001, in its corridor sequences and the baroque rooms at the end of 2001. Both films deal with the illusion of Time and Space and Idenity.
joe lally
I Love You
Invite me over immediately. Or, you come over thus we may play it on my 42 inch plasma screen at my place. We will have tea in fabulous china all while saying leave me, leave me....
It's a date!
Some people have their Rocky Horror but you and I have our Marienbad! I cant wait to chase you through the frozen gardens of thwarted desire!
Love
TI