In an old hotel a woman who goes by the name of (A) meets a stranger who goes by the name of (X). He insists that they met there last year, she insists that they never met at all. The woman is married or dating a man who goes by the name (M). Did she have an affair with a guy she doesn't remember? "Last Year at Marienbad" is a film so confusing and surreal it makes "Muholland Drive" and "Persona" feel like "Sesame Street". I tracked down a region 2 DVD because I heard the film was a favorite of Peter Greenaway. Alain Resnais' direction is superb and the black and white cinematography by Sacha Vierny is breathtaking. So what does it all mean? Who the hell knows? Seriously, I've never seen such a film as gorgeous and beautiful. I couldn't figure out what was going on, but who cares it's fun just to look at. Sometimes you just got to sit back and enjoy a film for what it is. When I tried to figure out the story my head was spinning in circles. It almost reminded me of how I felt in high school when I was stuck on a math problem. I got to a point where I was like "Ok. I'm just going to watch the film for the cool cinematography and gorgeous visuals." It's enjoyable this way, like staring at a painting in a museum. Maybe the whole film is all about Deja Vu feelings you get? In my life I've met people for the first time, but swear to god I met them in dreams months before. Not a film for everyone, but a must see for fans of bizarre French new wave.
Review of Last Year at Marienbad
