IMDb > Le testament d'Orphée, ou ne me demandez pas pourquoi! (1960)

Le testament d'Orphée, ou ne me demandez pas pourquoi! (1960) More at IMDbPro »


Overview

User Rating:
7.3/10   760 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 20% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writer:
Jean Cocteau (writer)
Contact:
View company contact information for The Testament of Orpheus on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
18 February 1960 (France) more
Genre:
Plot:
The Poet looks back over his life and work, recalling his inspirations and obsessions. full summary | full synopsis
Awards:
Nominated for BAFTA Film Award. more
User Comments:
Another magical and surreal movie from Jean Cocteau more (12 total)

Cast

  (Complete credited cast)
Jean Cocteau ... Himself - the Poet
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Additional Details

Also Known As:
Le testament d'Orphée (France) (poster title)
The Testament of Orpheus (USA)
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Runtime:
Germany:79 min | UK:83 min | USA:79 min
Country:
Language:
Aspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Filming Locations:
Company:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Cocteau's last film. more
Quotes:
Cégeste: It's no use. An artist always paints his own portrait. You'll never paint that flower. more
Movie Connections:
Follows Orphée (1950) more

FAQ

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3 out of 4 people found the following comment useful.
Another magical and surreal movie from Jean Cocteau, 6 April 2008
8/10
Author: TimothyFarrell from Worcester, MA

"The Testament of Orpheus" is the last film by Jean Cocteau, and even if it isn't as mind blowing as either "Orpheus" or "Beauty and the Beast", its still a captivating and dreamlike work of art. Jean Cocteau plays himself, "The Poet", who wanders into a bizarre landscape (not unlike that in "Orpheus") inhabited by various creations of his who blame him for their misfortunes. While if most other artists attempted to make a film like this, it would come off as showy egotism, Cocteau manages to make it feel as anything but. He raises some interesting questions about the nature of art and the importance of the artist to modern society. Also, the film is remarkably original, possibly the first true "meta-movie" ever made.

On a technical level, this is exquisite as well. Cocteau's direction is wonderfully magical and surreal. His special effects and camera tricks are always a highlight of his work. Hes obsessed with presenting many simplistic tricks that are easy to figure out but carry a true sense of otherworldly beauty. Even if one isn't interested in Cocteau's intellectual quest, they'll be captivated by the visuals themselves. The addition of several entertaining cameos (including Yul Brunner and Pablo Picasso) is only the icing on the cake. Cocteau creates surreal art films that are never boring, which is quite rare. (8/10)

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