Jean Vigo was a French film director who worked during the 1930s and is considered one of the greatest auteurs of French cinema.

He is best known for his innovative and unconventional filmmaking style that combined poetic realism, surrealism, and documentary techniques. Here are some of his most notable films:

Zero for Conduct (1933): This short film is a surreal and anarchic portrayal of life in a French boarding school.

It was Vigo’s first major work and established him as a leading figure in the French avant-garde.

L’Atalante (1934): Vigo’s only feature-length film, L’Atalante is a poetic and dreamlike love story set on a barge on the Seine River.

The film is renowned for its visual beauty, lyrical pacing, and for its use of sound.

A Propos de Nice (1930): Vigo’s first film, this experimental documentary is a scathing critique of bourgeois life in the French resort town of Nice.

The film uses innovative camera techniques and editing to create a surreal and haunting vision of the city.

Taris, roi de l’eau (1931): This short documentary is a lyrical tribute to the French swimmer Jean Taris. Vigo uses slow-motion and underwater shots to create a poetic and ethereal portrait of the athlete.

Best Jean Vigo Films

Vigo’s films were often ahead of their time and challenged conventional filmmaking norms. His work continues to influence generations of filmmakers and remains an important part of the history of French cinema.

1. L’Atalante (1934)

“L’Atalante” is a 1934 French film directed by Jean Vigo, and is considered to be one of the greatest films of French cinema.

The film tells the story of a newlywed couple, Jean and Juliette, who embark on a barge journey down the Seine River with the captain, Pere Jules, and the cabin boy, Jules.

As the journey progresses, the couple begin to have conflicts and disagreements, which are compounded by their unfamiliarity with each other and their new life on the barge.

Meanwhile, Pere Jules and Juliette form a bond of friendship, which eventually turns into something more.

The film is notable for its poetic and dreamlike style, and its depiction of everyday life and human relationships.

   

It was also groundbreaking for its time in its use of naturalistic sound and its treatment of sexuality and gender roles.

Despite its critical acclaim, “L’Atalante” was initially a commercial failure upon its release, and Vigo died just a few months after its premiere at the age of 29.

However, the film has since become recognized as a masterpiece of French cinema, and has had a lasting influence on filmmakers and film enthusiasts.

L'Atalante (1934) (Import)
  • L'atalante (1934) (Import)
  • Spanish (Subtitle)
  • English (Publication Language)

2. À Propos de Nice (1930)

“À Propos de Nice” is a French silent documentary film directed by Jean Vigo and co-written by Boris Kaufman.

It was released in 1930 and offers a satirical and critical portrayal of the French city of Nice and its bourgeois society during the 1920s.

The film captures the social contrast between the wealthy vacationers who visit the city and the impoverished locals who work to serve them.

It features sequences of extravagant promenades, beach activities, and dancing in the city’s luxury hotels, contrasted with scenes of poverty, slums, and labor strikes.

The film also includes shots of carnival celebrations and a mock funeral procession that symbolizes the death of the city’s decadent lifestyle.

“À Propos de Nice” is known for its innovative cinematography and its use of creative editing techniques to construct its narrative.

The film is considered a significant work of French impressionist cinema and a notable contribution to the documentary film genre.

Sale
The Complete Jean Vigo (À propos de Nice / Taris / Zéro de conduite / L'Atalante) (The Criterion Collection) [DVD]
  • The Complete Jean Vigo (À propos de Nice / Taris / Zéro de conduite / L'Atalante) (The Criterion C
  • Michel Simon, Jean Dasté, Dita Parlo (Actors)
  • Jean Vigo (Director)
  • English (Subtitle)
  • English (Publication Language)

3. Zero for Conduct (1933)

“Zero for Conduct” is a French short film directed by Jean Vigo and released in 1933. The film is considered a masterpiece of French cinema and an important work of the avant-garde movement.

It tells the story of a group of rebellious schoolboys who stage a revolt against their authoritarian teachers and the oppressive school system.

The film is notable for its surreal and experimental style, as well as its political and social commentary.

The schoolboys’ rebellion is a metaphor for the broader societal tensions of the time, and the film can be seen as a critique of the rigid educational system and the conformity it fosters.

The film’s title refers to the boys’ refusal to accept the oppressive rules and regulations of the school, and their willingness to take a stand against them.

Today, “Zero for Conduct” is considered a classic of French cinema and a landmark of the avant-garde movement. Its innovative style and political commentary continue to inspire and influence filmmakers to this day.

Zero De Conduite (1933) Original Movie Poster
  • Authentic, vintage theatrical-release movie poster.
  • MovieArt Austin will sell NO reproductions.

4. Taris (1931)

“Taris” is a French film directed by Jean Vigo, released in 1931. It is a short film, running just under ten minutes, and is widely regarded as a masterpiece of avant-garde filmmaking.

The film is a poetic exploration of swimming and diving, with a focus on the renowned swimmer Jean Taris.

The film captures the beauty and grace of Taris’s movements through the water, with a combination of above and underwater shots that are both lyrical and experimental.

   

It also features innovative camera techniques, such as close-ups and slow-motion shots, which were relatively new to cinema at the time.

Despite its short length, “Taris” is considered a seminal work of French cinema and a landmark in the history of documentary filmmaking.

Its focus on the human body in motion and its experimental use of camera techniques were influential on later filmmakers, such as the French New Wave directors in the 1960s.

Jean Vigo was a pioneering filmmaker who tragically died at the young age of 29, shortly after completing “Taris”.

His small but influential body of work has had a lasting impact on the history of cinema, and “Taris” is a prime example of his innovative and poetic approach to filmmaking.

Sale
The Complete Jean Vigo (A propos de Nice / Taris / Zero de conduite / L'atalante) (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]
  • Michel Simon, Jean Dasté, Dita Parlo (Actors)
  • Jean Vigo (Director)
  • English (Subtitle)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • Audience Rating: Unrated (Not Rated)

3 Characteristics of Jean Vigo Films

Jean Vigo was a French filmmaker known for his poetic and innovative approach to filmmaking. Here are three characteristics that are often associated with his films:

Surrealism and poetic imagery: Vigo’s films often incorporated surrealistic and dreamlike imagery that was used to explore complex themes and ideas.

He was known for his use of visual metaphors, symbolism, and poetic language to create a unique and immersive cinematic experience.

Social commentary: Vigo’s films were often characterized by a strong social and political commentary.

He was known for his critiques of social structures and conventions, and his films often explored the lives of marginalized or oppressed communities.

Innovative filmmaking techniques: Vigo was a pioneer in the use of unconventional camera angles, editing, and sound design.

He experimented with techniques such as jump cuts, freeze frames, and handheld camera work, and he often used these techniques to create a sense of immediacy and emotional intensity.

Overall, Vigo’s films were highly experimental and pushed the boundaries of traditional filmmaking.

They continue to be celebrated for their artistic vision and their influence on the development of French cinema.

3 Reasons Why You Should Watch Jean Vigo Films

Here are three reasons why you should watch Jean Vigo films:

Innovation: Jean Vigo was a pioneer of avant-garde cinema, and his films were known for their innovative visual and narrative techniques.

His use of unusual camera angles, editing, and sound design broke new ground and expanded the possibilities of filmmaking.

Watching Vigo’s films is a unique opportunity to see some of the earliest examples of experimental cinema and to appreciate the ways in which he pushed the boundaries of the medium.

Poetic Realism: Vigo’s films are notable for their poetic and dreamlike quality. His work often features ordinary people and everyday situations, but he elevates them to a mythic level through his poetic vision.

Watching Vigo’s films can be a powerful reminder of the beauty and mystery of everyday life and can inspire a renewed appreciation for the world around us.

Legacy: Jean Vigo’s impact on cinema has been significant and enduring. His films continue to inspire filmmakers and cinephiles alike, and his legacy can be seen in the work of filmmakers from the French New Wave to contemporary experimental filmmakers.

Watching Vigo’s films is not only a chance to experience his unique artistic vision, but also to understand his place in the history of cinema and to appreciate his ongoing influence on the medium.

Best Jean Vigo Films – Wrapping Up

Jean Vigo was a French film director who only made four films before his untimely death at the age of 29, but his body of work has had a lasting impact on cinema. Here are his four films, ranked in order of their impact and acclaim:

“L’Atalante” (1934) – This film is widely regarded as Vigo’s masterpiece and is considered one of the greatest films ever made.

It tells a poetic and dreamlike story of a young couple’s barge journey down the Seine River, and features groundbreaking use of naturalistic sound and a powerful exploration of human relationships.

“Zero for Conduct” (1933) – This short film, which clocks in at just over 40 minutes, is a playful and anarchic story of a group of schoolboys rebelling against their oppressive teachers. Its style and tone were revolutionary at the time and it has influenced many filmmakers since.

“Taris, King of the Water” (1931) – This short documentary focuses on the life and achievements of French swimmer Jean Taris, and is notable for its innovative underwater camerawork.

“A Propos de Nice” (1930) – Vigo’s debut film is a short documentary about the French city of Nice, which contrasts the wealthy and bourgeois aspects of the city with the poverty and exploitation of its working-class citizens.

Although Vigo’s career was tragically cut short, his films continue to be celebrated for their artistry, innovation, and social commentary.