Watch Annee Derniere A Marienbad

Annee Derniere A Marienbad is a French New Wave film released in 1961 directed by Alain Resnais. The film follows an unnamed man, played by Giorgio Albertazzi, as he tries to convince an unnamed woman, played by Delphine Seyrig, that they had met the previous year in Marienbad and had agreed to run away together. However, the woman does not remember the man or their supposed meeting, causing tension and confusion throughout the film.

The film is known for its experimental use of non-linear narrative, dreamlike imagery, and unconventional storytelling techniques. It was heavily influenced by the surrealist movement, with Resnais attempting to replicate the flow of a dream through the film's structure and imagery. This results in a film that is open to interpretation and can be seen as both a psychological thriller and a commentary on memory and perception.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is its use of location and architecture. The majority of the film takes place in a grand, ornate hotel, with Resnais using the building's symmetry and repetitive patterns to disorient the viewer and blur the lines between reality and illusion. The hotel's garden is also prominently featured, with Resnais using slow-motion and close-ups to create a sense of unease and foreboding.

In terms of character, the two leads have a complex and ambiguous relationship. The man is persistent in his attempts to remind the woman of their supposed meeting, but it is never clear whether he is telling the truth or if he is simply delusional. Meanwhile, the woman is stoic and detached, refusing to engage with the man's advances and even calling him out on his lies at times. Together, they create an atmosphere of uncertainty and tension that lasts throughout the film.

Annee Derniere A Marienbad also features a memorable musical score by Francis Seyrig, Delphine's brother. The score is haunting and otherworldly, with a recurring organ riff adding to the film's dreamlike atmosphere.

Despite its experimental nature, the film was a critical success upon its release and became a significant influence on the French New Wave movement. It was particularly noted for its innovative editing techniques, with Resnais using jump cuts to disrupt the film's continuity and create a sense of disorientation.

Overall, Annee Derniere A Marienbad is a challenging and enigmatic film that rewards careful viewing and interpretation. Its exploration of memory, perception, and reality remains relevant today and has ensured its status as a classic of French cinema.

Annee Derniere A Marienbad is a 1999 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes.