A COMPLICATED PASSION

An immersive portrait of a groundbreaking filmmaker.

By the time of her death, Agnès Varda (1928-2019) had finally achieved long-deserved global recognition for her six-decade career, culminating in accolades such as an honorary Oscar in 2017. Her path to renown was arduous, as she navigated the numerous challenges of being one of the few independent female directors of her era. Varda's experimental approach set her apart—from not only the mainstream but even her more recognized New Wave contemporaries Truffaut and Godard. Unlike them, she was reluctant to adapt literature or other sourced material. Film critic and historian Rickey skillfully chronicles Varda's unique career trajectory. Remarkably, she had seen fewer than 25 films when, at age 25, she filmed La Pointe Courte in 1955. “She had no knowledge of film history,” writes the author, “and thus was unaware that she was one in an illustrious line of still photographers drawn to make pictures that moved.” Varda would go on to develop expansive, ever-evolving ways of filming, embracing new technical advancements and producing some of her most memorable works, such as Cléo From 5 to 7 and Vagabond. She also inspired future generations, particularly other women filmmakers, with her boldness in addressing hot-button societal issues like abortion, homelessness, and immigrant rights. Rickey examines her close yet unconventional marriage to director Jacques Demy, who was bisexual, and references her many notable friendships within the arts community, including the likes of Jim Morrison, Martin Scorsese, and Susan Sontag. While providing colorful anecdotes from friends and luminaries in Varda's orbit, Rickey falls short of fully capturing the essence of her mercurial, enigmatic personality. Nevertheless, the author proves adept at depicting her subject’s trailblazing influence and unique cinematic vision embracing creativity, spontaneity, and willingness to tackle provocative issues through an uncompromising body of work.

A richly documented examination of this visionary filmmaker's influential career.