Chris Marker: La Jetee

One Work

by Janet Harbord

Chris Marker's legendary "ciné roman" ("film novel") La Jetée is considered one of the greatest and most influential experimental films of all time. This short film--a postapocalyptic story composed almost entirely of black-and-white still photographs--has been praised by cultural theorists and Netflix subscribers alike. In this illustrated study of La Jetée, Janet Harbord focuses in part on the film's treatment of time--its shifts from a pre-war past to a projected future a further future of the future (each with its own signature images and sound)--arguing that in this way it addresses the nature of consciousness and the simultaneity of time-frames that we inhabit. Harbord moves easily from a close reading of the film to discussions of broader cultural issues, lucidly piecing together the enigma that is La Jetée.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction, Art

110 pages, Paperback

First published May 29, 2009

Reviews

[Kamakana · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you like this review i now have website: www.michaelkamakana.com

290414: another favourite film. unlike anything you will ever see, this twenty-nine minute collection of black and white stills is deservedly famous. one of the most beautiful experimental films ever made. more affecting than many long films. more moving in its stillness. this book is an excellent companion, but there is finally the film. watch it once or twice or countless times... it is worth it...

[Lance Grabmiller · Rating 2 out of 5]

An interesting, though not particularly surprising analysis of Chris Maker's 1962 film.