Orphée

This is an enchanting retelling of the Orpheus myth by poet, playwright, artist and filmmaker Jean Cocteau.

  • Director

    Jean Cocteau

  • With

    Jean Marais, François Périer, Maria Casarès

  • France 1950. 95min

  • Digital

  • Certificate

    PG

  • English subtitles

Jean Cocteau was one of the most significant artists of the 20th century. His melding poetry, surrealism and mythology greatly influenced the French New Wave. Orphée is a magical retelling of the Orpheus myth, which turns the singer of Greek legend into a famous left-bank poet in post-war Paris. With unforgettable imagery and astonishing special effects, it’s a work of haunting beauty that Godard would draw on for his ambitious 1965 sci-fi thriller Alphaville.

Kimberley Sheehan

Also available on BFI Player