Vigo (1998)

Director:

Julien Temple

Writers:

Anne Devlin (writer)
Peter Ettedgui (writer)

Release Date:

31 December 1998 (Hungary)

Genre:

Drama

Plot Keywords:

Independent Film

Awards:

1 win

Cast

James Frain	...	Jean Vigo
Romane Bohringer	...	Lydu Lozinska
Nicholas Barnes	...	Casino Croupier
David Battley	...	Cinema Manager
Joe Boiling	...	Zero Boy
Anna Bolt	...	Misha
Christine Burlett	...	Hospital Concierge
Jack Capelli	...	Zero Boy
Charles Collingwood	...	Plain Clothes Policeman
Dean Cook	...	Young Jean Vigo
Kenneth Cranham	...	The Producer
Marie Dang	...	The Venus
Emmanuelle Epstein	...	Elizabeth Lozinska
Donald Gee	...	Dominican Priest
Jeremy Greig	...	Zero Boy

Also Known As:

Burning Up (UK) (working title)
Catching Fire (UK) (working title)
Vigo, histoire d'une passion (France)
Vigo: A Passion for Life (UK)

Runtime:

Canada:106 min

Country:

France | UK | Japan

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Dolby SR

Certification:

France:U

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Company:

Impact Pictures

Movie Connections:

Features Bronenosets Potyomkin (1925)

Soundtrack:

L'Ile de Pâques

Haunting, yet uplifting

This is a gloriously beautiful film. Jean Vigo was an immense talent born ahead of his time. Seeing this made me want to see the real works of Vigo. I was extremely touched by the love share between Jean an his wife, Lydu. Frain and Bohringer (sp?) have such a natural chemistry as the ill-fated famous couple. It breaks my heart to know how he/they suffered. Yes, he was extremely ill with tuberculosis...and realized he had limited time to realize his dreams as a film-maker, but the true suffering he endured came in the form of the French censors, who banned or butched his work based only on the fact that his father was considered a traitor and an anarchist...so, Jean suffered by association.

Despite his and Lydu's terminal illness, and the prejudices they had to live with, their's is really an uplifting story of undying love, faith, and committment to each other. They lived fuller lives than most of us ever will, experienced truer love than most of us will ever be fortunate enough to have, and realized more of their dreams and goals than most of us could ever hope to. And, Jean did all of this in a life that lasted only 29 years. This movie brings to vivid life the love, losses, tragedies, and triumphs of Jean Vigo and his beautiful wife. It emphasises how important they were to one another.

All in all, this is a true gem of a movie. Beautiful and touching love story, endearing characters through out, excellent and extremely dedicated cast, superbly shot with gorgeous scenery...a film that breaks your heart, but it also lifts you up as well...because of the power of love and the power of believing in one's self. My only complaint is that I would have liked to have seen a bit more of Vigo actually working on his films. They did show this, but more of it would have been very welcome.

Anyway, if you love love stories, or are a fan of Jean Vigo, see this film. You'll adore it.