Taris o del nuoto

Jean Vigo films the talents of great swimming champion Jean Taris performing different acts. Vigo film technique allied with Taris swimming style are intertwined with grace and effect.

Some of this might have been a bit risqué, at least it would have been to Americans, but it is an interesting use of underwater photography and captures its subject well. I don't know Jean Taris, but then again, I wasn't around in 1930s France. I imagine he was a big deal and something a hero. Certainly, in this capacity, his body and movements are an art form.

Of the few things Vigo did, this might be the one that stands out. It doesn't offer class commentary or suggest anarchism. It's not the masterpiece of his short career. It is just a simple -- but effective -- look at a great athlete.

A commissioned short meant to show off renowned swimmer Jean Taris and demonstrate his technique, but it's more of interest in demonstrating Vigo's technique. The photography is absolutely gorgeous, especially the underwater parts. As a celebration of physicality, it looks forward to Riefenstahl's OLYMPIA, showcasing the various graceful feats the human body is capable of, using sensuous close-ups and slow motion. It's undeniably a minor work thematically (not to mention narratively) but it is a lovely bit of craftsmanship, punctuated with some nice bits of humor, including an ending that will look awfully familiar to fans of BEING THERE.

Essentially a 'how-to-swim' piece that, in the hands of someone less talented and individualistic than Jean Vigo, would have been forgotten years ago, Taris is transformed by the director's unique and original imagination into something much more. He captures some terrific underwater shots of Taris swimming and horsing around, and manages to add a few trademark surreal touches and camera trickery to ensure that the viewer's interest never wanes. It is still essentially a film about swimming, but it manages to capture both Taris's mastery of his sport and his enthusiasm for it. Worth a watch if you have a spare ten minutes.

The second of Vigo's four films is about 10 minutes long. The subject, allegedly, is a French national swimming champion, Jean Taris. First we see him swimming normally. Then we see a hint that this isn't a documentary short: Taris dives into the water, Vigo runs the film backwards, and Taris is spit back out. This happens 3 times. Thus the crux of the film: inventive (for the time) technique, while overuse of it occurs. Fun stuff, though: interesting shots of Taris doing the backstroke. Finally, we see him goofing around underwater; by this point, the movie achieves a genuine state of grace. Can be found on No. 10 of the New York Film Annex's video series of experimental and abstract films.

Vigo's short Taris is a work of breathtaking beauty. He uses the swimmer's body and movements to portray grace and passion, transcending the pretense that this short is a documentary on a famous swimmer of the 20s/30s. His use of close ups and freeze frames along with underwater beautifully lit scene add to its richness. The Film ends with a deep perhaps ironic twist which is priceless.If you have enjoyed Vigo's features do try and see this mini masterpiece