#68: COCTEAU, Jean: Orpheus (1949)

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COCTEAU, Jean (France)
THE ORPHIC TRILOGY: Orpheus [1949]
Spine #68
DVD


Jean Cocteau's update of the Orpheus myth depicts a famous poet (Jean Marais), scorned by the Left Bank youth, and his love for both his wife, Eurydice (Maria Déa), and a mysterious princess (Maria Casarès). Seeking inspiration, the poet follows the princess from the world of the living to the land of the dead, through Cocteau's famous mirrored portal. Orpheus's peerless visual poetry and dreamlike storytelling represent the legendary Cocteau at the height of his powers.

95 minutes
Black & White
Monaural
in French
1:33:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2000
Director/Writer


Jean Cocteau was 60 when he wrote and directed Orpheus.


The Film

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Six-page wraparound featuring an essay by Cocteau.

Commentary

None.

Cocteau’s 1950 essay on the film

Bibliofilmography

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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