Cléo from 5 to 7

Definition

Cléo from 5 to 7 is a 1962 French film directed by Agnès Varda that follows a young pop singer, Cléo, as she wanders through Paris while waiting for the results of a medical test. The film is a hallmark of the French New Wave movement, showcasing innovative techniques such as real-time storytelling and breaking conventional cinematic norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The film uniquely employs real-time storytelling, taking place over the course of two hours as Cléo moves through Paris, which mirrors her emotional journey.
2. Varda's use of location shooting in Paris provides an authentic backdrop that captures the vibrancy and character of the city during the early 1960s.
3. Cléo from 5 to 7 explores themes of existentialism, femininity, and mortality, reflecting societal attitudes towards women and illness during that era.
4. The film incorporates innovative techniques such as breaking the fourth wall and using non-professional actors alongside established ones, showcasing Varda's experimental approach.
5. Cléo's transformation throughout the film—from anxiety and superficiality to self-awareness—highlights her development as a character and serves as a commentary on the nature of identity.

Review Questions

• How does Agnès Varda's direction in Cléo from 5 to 7 reflect key principles of the French New Wave?
  • Agnès Varda's direction in Cléo from 5 to 7 embodies key principles of the French New Wave through its experimental narrative structure, location shooting, and character-driven storytelling. The film breaks away from traditional cinematic conventions by employing real-time storytelling, allowing viewers to experience Cléo's journey authentically. Varda also incorporates personal expression and feminist themes that challenge societal norms, making her work a quintessential example of this innovative movement.
• Discuss how the use of location in Cléo from 5 to 7 contributes to the film’s overall impact and themes.
  • The use of location in Cléo from 5 to 7 is significant as it immerses viewers in the authentic atmosphere of Paris during the early 1960s. By shooting on location, Varda captures not just the physical spaces but also the emotional resonance tied to them. As Cléo traverses various neighborhoods, each environment reflects her internal struggle and evolving identity, enhancing themes of isolation, existentialism, and self-discovery throughout her journey.
• Evaluate how Cléo from 5 to 7 uses innovative cinematic techniques to convey deeper themes about femininity and identity.
  • Cléo from 5 to 7 employs innovative cinematic techniques such as real-time storytelling, breaking the fourth wall, and juxtaposing professional actors with non-professionals to convey deeper themes about femininity and identity. By portraying Cléo's journey in real time, Varda emphasizes her emotional state while simultaneously critiquing societal expectations placed on women. The film's experimental style allows for a more intimate exploration of self-awareness and personal transformation, ultimately inviting viewers to reflect on their perceptions of identity and mortality in a rapidly changing world.

Related terms

Agnès Varda: A prominent French film director and a key figure in the French New Wave, known for her unique storytelling style and feminist themes.

French New Wave: A cinematic movement in the late 1950s and 1960s characterized by its experimental techniques, emphasis on personal expression, and a focus on contemporary themes.

Real-time storytelling: A narrative technique where the story unfolds in real-time, allowing viewers to experience events as they happen along with the characters.