About Orpheus

Orpheus is a 1950 film directed by French auteur Jean Cocteau. The film infuses the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice with modern elements, set in the Parisian post-war cafe culture. Here Cocteau presents the tale in reverse, where Orpheus, played by Jean Marais, has to pass through a mirror to the underworld to retrieve his love Eurydice, portrayed by Marie Déa. However, the film offers a twist to the tragic tale and presents a story of love, death, and fate from a new overlooked perspective that challenged traditional narrative norms.

Making / Production

The film was produced by André Paulvé and its production company was Films du Palais Royal. Cinematography was done by Nicolas Hayer, and the film was remarkably edited by Jacqueline Sadoul. The film was shot entirely in France, capturing the unique atmosphere of its time and place.

Actors

• Jean Marais as Orpheus - A poet indifferent to the world, Marais provides a convincing portrayal of a man in love, torn by his destiny.
• Marie Déa as Eurydice - She skillfully portrays the troubled wife of Orpheus, whose death sets in motion the main events of the film.
• Maria Casarès as The Princess - Casarès plays a charismatic, ominous figure who tests Orpheus's love for Eurydice.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• 'Orpheus' is viewed as the central part of Jean Cocteau's Orphic Trilogy, which also includes 'The Blood of a Poet' (1930) and 'Testament of Orpheus' (1960).
• The mirror scenes in the film use a simple yet remarkable special effect. By filming through a mirror dipped in mercury, Cocteau was able to create the illusion of characters moving through solid glass.

Awards

While not immediately recognized with awards upon its release, 'Orpheus' now holds a prestigious status in cinema history. It has been honored at the Venice Film Festival where it was nominated for the Grand International Prize in 1950.

Quotes

• "Poets have no biography. Their work is" - Orpheus
• "Mirrors are more to be trusted than the common sense." - The Princess

Music, Soundtrack

• The haunting score was created by esteemed composer Georges Auric, who had a long collaboration with Jean Cocteau.