Dedicated to screening rare & significant films in their original format
The Melbourne Cinémathèque is a not-for-profit, volunteer-run film society. We hold screenings at The Australia Centre for the Moving image every Wednesday night for most of the year. Admission is by membership, which can be obtained on a monthly or yearly basis.
7.00PM – MONTPARNASSE 19
Jacques Becker (1958) 108 mins
Becker’s penultimate film recounts the last years of Paris-based painter Amedeo Modigliani from the end of the First World War to his death in 1920. Actor Gérard Philipe, who plays the destitute and dying artist, was himself to die shortly after the film was completed, at almost the same age as the painter at his death.
Also features Lilli Palmer, Lino Ventura and Anouk Aimée. “A visually stunning and emotionally haunting examination of a misunderstood artist and the caustic irony of fame” (Acquarello).
CTEQ Annotation:
‘Les Amants De Montpanarsse” by Darragh O’Donoghue
Trailer
9.00PM – ÉDOUARD ET CAROLINE
Jacques Becker (1951) 88 mins
This comedy of manners in the vein of Ernst Lubitsch and Preston Sturges revolves around a pair of quarrelling newlyweds (Daniel Gélin and Anne Vernon) who make up as quickly as they squabble. Making the most of a sharp script, tight budget and only two sets, Becker uses an astute observational style to focus on the richness of small details, such as the gestures and glances between the couple, showing a true affection for his youthful characters. Filled with delightful music and a few jibes at the bourgeoisie.
35mm print courtesy of the National Film & Sound Archive, Australia.
CTEQ Annotation:
Reflection Without Interference: Édouard et Caroline and the Romantic Mundane by Nicholas Brodie.
The Melbourne Cinémathèque team is taking a break for a few weeks because our equivalent of Christmas starts on the 1st of August this year. We resume screenings on the 27th of August so until then, you’ll be able to find us at The Melbourne International Film Festival. So, while we’re busy frantically planning our schedules, we thought we’d share our top picks! Check out our list over at our Facebook page.