Vagabond

Agnès Varda's Vagabond opens with the discovery of a woman's frozen corpse in a ditch. What follows is a documentary-style examination as to how Mona (Sandrine Bonnaire) ended up there. And it's not as straightforward as it appears.

Throughout Vagabond we see Mona interacting with a menagerie of people and them later on talking about their impressions of her. Most of them don't understand her behavior while some felt sorry for Mona as she tries to survive every day. But one thing is clear: she's an unforgettable presence.

It isn't made clear why Mona is living a life on the streets. Did she have a falling out with someone close to her? Did she pursue such a living on her own accord? Varda doesn't verify which one it is but no matter. It's still fascinating to see Mona try to survive this way of living.

As she did with Cleo from 5 to 7 years earlier, Varda shows that Vagabond is also about the people Mona encounters. They have their own lives which Mona temporarily becomes a part of. Some welcome her with open arms, others are rubbed the wrong way by Mona's attitude. But as stated before, she's not forgotten when she leaves them.

Vagabond is a stunning film, thanks to Varda's keen eye. With a harsh backdrop of the French countryside in winter, she doesn't rely on spectacle to make her film work. Instead, Varda uses the bare essentials to have Vagabond be damn effective. (Is it ever.)

My Rating: *****

Le Bonheur

When infidelity is depicted, the reasons behind are seldom of romantic means. Usually it's shown as an escape from the tediousness of marriage. Other times, it only comes into play when the unfaithful party yearns to feel young again. But sometimes an affair can blossom from other reasons.

Agnès Varda's Le Bonheur provides a different reason for why an adulterous liaison might occur. François (Jean-Claude Drouot) feels beyond content with his wife Thérèse (Claire Drouot) and two young children. He decides to extend his happiness to Émilie (Marie-France Boyer), a women he meets while on business. But how will this end?

In stark contrast to the black-and-white cinematography of Varda's earlier film Cleo from 5 to 7, Le Bonheur has a bright palette of colors in every shot. (It could also be viewed as the mindsets of the lead characters.) Perhaps she borrowed a few cues from husband Jacques Demy?

As per usual with Varda, Le Bonheur shows an exploration of life and the people that inhabit it. She shows the world and the flaws its dwellers display. After all, to quote Some Like It Hot, nobody's perfect.

Le Bonheur is further proof that Varda is one of the great for the world of cinema. She knows how to capture everyday life and all of its little imperfections. We must honor her while she's still with us.

My Rating: ****1/2

Cleo from 5 to 7

The opening moments of Agnes Varda's Cleo from 5 to 7 have singer Cleo Victoire (Corinne Marchand) receiving grim news from a fortune teller. She fears she has cancer. While waiting for her test results, she witnesses the sights, sounds and people of Paris.

Cleo by no means is a deeply likable person. She's often quick to anger and she possesses an arrogant air. (She's frequently called "spoiled" by some of her acquaintances.) But as the film wears on, she gradually softens into someone more sympathetic.

What Varda does with Cleo's perspective is very subtle. It goes from her being the center of attention to being one of the many people walking the Paris streets. It's a quiet detail but a very distinct one.

Similarly, the cinematography by Jean Rabier captures the film much like a photographer would. It focuses on the faces, buildings and bustle of Parisian life. Much like how Control and Ida would be shot in the following decades, Cleo from 5 to 7 is shot like photographs coming to life.

Cleo from 5 to 7 is hypnotic and beautiful. It's a quiet film but Varda and Marchand do wonders with it. It's also proof that female film directors should get more recognition than they currently do. (Honestly, more progress in the film industry would be nice, don't you think?)

My Rating: *****