The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967) Criterion Collection, 2 DVDs
The music by Michel Legrand is nothing short of iconic. The main theme, with its distinctive clavichord hook, is one of the most recognizable melodies in French cinema history. The songs drive the narrative forward, expressing a longing for "the ideal man" or the excitement of "the fair." The choreography, led by Norman Maen, is robust and athletic, utilizing the open spaces of the town square and the traveling fair in a way that feels distinctly un-theatrical yet entirely staged. It captures the 1960s optimism where pop art and jazz collided. The Young Girls of Rochefort -1967- Criterion -...
. A colorful homage to Hollywood’s Golden Age, the film stars real-life sisters Catherine Deneuve and Françoise Dorléac as twins seeking love and adventure in their seaside town. Amazon.com Availability and Features The Young Girls of Rochefort (1967) Criterion Collection,
The film tells the story of twin sisters, Suzie (Catherine Deneuve) and Colette (Françoise Hardy), who share a passion for music and a dream of escaping their mundane lives in the charming coastal town of Rochefort. The narrative follows their individual pursuits of love and stardom, set against a backdrop of picturesque French landscapes and accompanied by a memorable score. It captures the 1960s optimism where pop art
While Jacques Demy’s The Umbrellas of Cherbourg (1964) is famous for its tragic, rain-soaked romance, its follow-up, The Young Girls of Rochefort ( Les Demoiselles de Rochefort ), is a celebration of life, color, and boundless optimism. Released in 1967 and now preserved in stunning high-definition by the Criterion Collection, this film is widely considered one of the greatest movie musicals ever made—and arguably the quintessential "French New Wave Musical."
The Criterion Collection release of features a key critical piece titled "The Young Girls of Rochefort: Not the Same Old Song and Dance" , an essay by renowned critic Jonathan Rosenbaum .