Four chapters based on the birth of a ‘secret child’, or a film, with chapter titles: “La séction Césarienne” (Caesarian section: a descriptive detail introducing the mother); “Le dernier guerrier” (the last warrior: how the father sees himself); “Le cercle ophydique” (the serpent’s closed circle: the couple reunites at the psychiatric ward); “Les forêts désenchantées” (unfairy forests: the film in the making). —IMDb
Philippe Garrel is a French director, cinematographer, screenwriter, editor and producer. His movies have won him awards at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival and Venice Film Festival. He was born in Paris in 1948, the son of actor Maurice Garrel. He started his film career early directing and writing his first film Lés Enfants Désaccordés in 1964. Garrel met Nico in 1969 when she performed the song “The Falconer” for his film Le Lit de la Vierge and the couple were soon living together. Nico first appeared in the 1972 film La Cicatrice Intériure (aka the Inner Scar). Songs included in the film appear on Nico’s album Desertshore, which features stills from the film on the front and back covers. Nico appeared in a number of Garrel’s films after this. Their ten year relationship ended in 1979.
Prix Jean Vigo for the film L’Enfant Secret. He won Perspectives du Cinéma Award at the Cannes Film Festival in 1984 for his 1983 film la Nuit Liberté. Over a ten year period, Garrel enjoyed… read more
The film, as haunted as the look on Wiazemsky's face. The ethereal innocent of 'Balthazar' now hardened by the revolutions of Godard, the burlesque of Pasolini. The perfect face for Garrel's almost painfully private allegorical drama; this film about the end of a relationship, but really about the end of an era. About disillusionment, depression; about the making of a film - this "secret child" - as an imitation of life.
One of the most beatiful films I´ve ever watched. Garrel is one of the true filmakers alive. Everybody who likes cinema should watch his films.
Okay, I just watched this, but there is no way I can rate it, as, sadly, my mind was all over the place during the viewing. I'll watch it again soon. Savvy
Featuring not one but two Herzog gems, a Moonrise Kingdom short, a talk about Twin Peaks and words of discouragement from Richard Brody.
