Blue
Overview
In the first part of acclaimed Polish director Krzysztof Kieslowski's extraordinary THREE COLORS trilogy, BLUE represents Liberty (of Equality and Fraternity) in the French flag and national motto. Julie (Juliette Binoche) is a young, musically gifted Frenchwoman who has just lost her daughter and renowned composer-husband Patrice (Claude Duneton) in a tragic car accident. During her long physical and emotional convalescence, a journalist questions Julie about the widespread rumor that she's the actual composer of all Patrice's work. She rebuffs the journalist's inquiry regarding her husband's music, but she does not deny it. Upon leaving the hospital, Julie takes a flat in Paris and struggles to start anew--but not until she destroys Patrice's final unfinished work: a huge symphony for twelve orchestras, to be played at a gala celebrating the upcoming unification of twelve European nations. But another copy surfaces, and gradually, as Julie discovers some surprising secrets about her husband's life, she's drawn back to the music, and the pleasures of existence. Kieslowski uses color as metaphor ingeniously, adding immense emotional depth to the story that is unfolding on screen. As Julie, Binoche is a striking cinematic presence. Her transition from a destroyed widow to a woman who has learned to embrace life gives BLUE the heart and soul that makes it a powerful, moving work.
Awards:
Main Cast & Crew:
Krzysztof Kieslowski - Director
Benoit Regent
Charlotte V ry
Emmanuelle Riva
Florence Pernel
Juliette Binoche
Details
- Format: Blu-ray
- Color Format: Color
- UPC: 5021866094403
- Genre: DRAMA
Movie Reviews
Synopsis:
The first installment of Polish cinematic genius Kieslowski's THREE COLORS trilogy, BLUE stands for Liberty (of Equality and Fraternity) in the French national motto, and is the first color of the French flag. A young woman (Juliette Binoche) tries to uncover her husband, a famous composer's, secret life after he dies mysteriously. Each step takes her both closer to, and further from, the truth in her journey; her path is ultimately about her own self-discovery.
Notes:
BLUE was released theatrically in February 1994.
The film was shot in Paris, France.
BLUE was shown at the Venice, Toronto, Telluride, and New York Film Festivals.
It won the award for Best Picture at the Venice Film Festival.
Juliette Binoche won the award for Best Actress at the Venice Film Festival. She also won a French Cesar Award as Best Actress for her role. Later Binoche went on to win an Oscar for her performance in THE ENGLISH PATIENT by director Anthony Minghella.
Reviews:
"...Stunningly filmed..." - Recommended - 09/01/1994 Premiere, p.115
"...A riveting central performance by a carefully controlled, lovingly lit Juliette Binoche..." - 09/20/1993 Variety
"...A masterpiece....Kieslowski is modern cinema's great prestidigitator: a humanist disguised as misanthrope..." - 11/01/1993 Film Comment, p.64-6
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