THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG (1964) at AFS

Depending upon whom you ask, Jacques Demy's incomparable THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG (1964) is either the most beautiful (it is) or the saddest and most tragic romantic film ever made. And yes...I'm including Franco Zeferrelli's ROMEO AND JULIET (1968) in that statement. It has influenced filmmakers all over the world since its release, and has both charmed and reduced to tears even the most jaded of filmgoers. It was cited by director Damien Chazelle as the primary inspiration in both tone and style for his modern classic LA LA LAND (2016), and it was one of the primary reasons Catherine Deneuve stole our hearts for the next four decades. It is also a film that can only be properly experienced on the big screen.

THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG tells the simple story of a somewhat naive 17 year old shopgirl who falls in love with a handsome 20 year old shop mechanic. Their romance is shown as a technicolor musical dream that underscore the inevitable dark clouds on the horizon. And it is here that UMBRELLAS shines. Unlike most films in the U.S. during the era, lead characters do not always act honorably or intelligently, and happy endings are not always assured. To say that love blinds you to reality is an understatement in this film, and the characters in the film must learn some very hard lessons. This was the award winning tone Chazelle was going for in LA LA LAND, and he will be the first to tell you that this film (and its equally wonderful counterpart, THE YOUNG GIRLS OF ROCHEFORT (1967)), inspired it five decades earlier.

It is truly a sumptuous feast for the eyes, the ears (with a legendary musical score by Michel Legrand), and the heart. Don't be surprised if you need a tissue by the end.

We'll meet at the theater at 8:00 pm in the AFS Lobby for a showtime of 8:30 pm. AFS can occasionally sell out, so its always a good idea to get your tickets in advance online (go to https://www.austinfilm.org/screening/the-umbrellas-of-cherbourg/). I like to go in as the doors open as seats are not reserved. Those doors will probably open around 8:00 if not before, but I'll hang in the lobby until 8:15.

THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG (1964)
Directed by Jacques Demy; 1 hr 32 min.; French with subtitles