The World of Jacques Demy

L'univers de Jacques Demy (1995) was shown in the U.S. with the translated title The World of Jacques Demy. It was written and directed by Demy's widow, Agnès Varda.

Varda is, herself, a fine director. Demy was a also a fine director, and was famous, at least in France. He's know best in the U.S. for his film The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.

Demy was noted for his use of dialog sung to music, and his incredible utilization of primary colors.

He also chose the most beautiful women in France as his stars--Anouk Aimée, Danielle Darrieux, Catherine Deneuve, and Jeanne Moreau. All of these actors appear in the movie giving their views about Demy as a director and as a person. Of course, Varda does this as well.

I think that this is a brilliant documentary, I believe that it will be of real interest to people who know Demy's work. If you don't know Demy's work, it will be a useful introduction, because Vara has added many film clips to the interviews.

We saw this movie on DVD, where it worked well enough. I think all of Demy's films are better seen in a theater, but that's rarely an option.

If you care about movies this is the film for you. It's wonderful to see a great director give us a loving portrait of another great director.