r/LetterboxdOfficial Film Club 010

Watched this a month ago, intending to do a small write-up, but then, even though I very much liked the film, was struggling with coming up with anything cohesive to say. So I guess I'm just going to jot some of things that made an impression in some way, enough that I remember them a month later.

1) I saw this as a double-feature just before Godard's Vivre Sa Vie and as a little bit of prep for that, I had listened to a recorded talk about Godard's use of soundscape. And so that was top of mind as I watched Cléo and I noticed there also the prominence of street sound, and not just the sound but the very full world of all the people and things making those sounds who sometimes came into view. The sound gave a very different feel than the prominent song soundtracks that overlay so many scenes where characters aren't talking in most films I've seen.

2) I was a little amazed at how many things Cléo did in just two hours. One wondered if that was for her a typical level of activity or a result of a heightened sense of life running out.

3) Loved the glass and mirrors, particular in the cafe scene.

4) Loved the hat shopping and how she kept coming back to that winter hat--which clearly signified her concern that she might have no winter to look forward to.

So those are some feeble impressions. I'd like to say I'd rewatch again in a more thoughtful way, but the truth is, I almost never rewatch, as there are so many things unseen that I want to take time for.