Watch: Cleo from 5 to 7 (1962)

Now, you'll watch the 1962 film Cleo from 5 to 7, which will illustrate concepts of photogenie and the subjective camera discussed in this module.

 

VideoWatch: Cleo from 5 to 7 (1962) Links to an external site.(1hr and 30 min)

Still from Cleo from 5 to 7 from film-grab Links to an external site.

 

The film is directed by Agnes Varda. Varda was a French film director central to the development of the French New Wave film movement. Her films focused on achieving documentary realism, addressing feminist issues, and producing social commentary through experimental means. Cleo from 5 to 7 is one of her most famous narrative films. It follows a character over a span of two hours. If you enjoy this film, I also recommend her films Vagabond, The Gleaners and I, and her 2017 Oscar-nominated documentary Faces Places. Her nomination at the age of 89, made her the oldest person ever to be nominated for a competitive Oscar. 

Like La Jettee from Module 7, the film is operating within an objective depiction of reality, but the filmmaker’s subjective perspective comes through to communicate a message.

Professor Kalin with Agnes Varda  

Professor Betsy Kalin with Agnes Varda

ReviewWhile watching...

Here's what to look for while watching:

  • What cinematic techniques (shots, camera movement, use of compositions, editing etc,) does Varda use to foreground her authorial perspective as a filmmaker and communicate a specific message?
  • How does Varda use techniques of photogenie to visualize everyday objects and settings in a new way?
  • How does Varda subvert stereotypical portrayals of women in through cinematic techniques in this film?

You can watch the film at the link above or here.  Links to an external site.

Continue on to complete a writing assignment related to the film. 

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