The Double Life of Veronique :: The Art of Visual Poetry | REVIEW

Kieslowski, the forgotten European cinema master of the 80s and 90s, made possibly the greatest film ever made. I think so, anyway. But no one asks me.
Per Wikipedia:
The Double Life of Veronique is a 1991 French-Polish-Norwegian drama film directed by Krzysztof Kieslowski and starring Irene Jacob. Written by Kieslowski and Krzysztof Piesiewicz, the film explores identity, Love, and human infuriation through the characters of Weronika, a Polish choir soprano, and her double, Veronique, a French music teacher. The two women do not know each other, and yet they share a mysterious and emotional bond that transcends language and geography.
The Double Life of Veronique premiered to worldwide acclaim in 1991, earning the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury and Best Actress Award at the Cannes Film Festival.
“What makes it so good?” you may ask. It’s a good question, and I’ve assembled this video to try and provide an answer, in some capacity.
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Further Reading:
Double Lives, Second Chances: The Cinema of Krzysztof Kieslowski by Annette Insdorf
Kieslowski on Kieslowski
For Once, Then Nothing by Christopher J. Knight
ROGER EBERT reviews:
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bit.ly/2eI8Grn

[@ThomasFlight]

Loving it! You've managed to put forth a distinctive voice in a genre where most of us sound like cheap Every Frame a Painting knockoffs.

[@CharlesKincaid]

Thanks Thomas! That's a lot to live up to, but I appreciate it greatly!

[@williamcervetti1455]

@@CharlesKincaid Agreed! Whenever we talk about the films we shared viewing together, my wife and I inevitably return to Double Life and its competitor, Wings of Desire. Two of the greatest films of the last 40 years. Veronique is a masterpiece of cinematic poetry-as-film and film-as-cinematic poetry. It is undoubtedly the most effortlessly fluid piece of cinema ever created, buoyed by a premise that is itself a timeless fable. I am in awe every time I view it, which "can never be enough". Kudos to you and your commitment to introduce this film to a wider audience. I have to stop now, or soon! Like Tokyo Story , Double Life and "Wings", are spiritual documents of our times. They remind one of what film as an art form is capable of.

[@picinek]

One of the best films ever made, it created my path towards the art cinema, my real initiation in early nineties............

[@cmoironi]

Every couple of years I do a search on this movie which I've adored ever since I first watched it in an almost completely empty movie theater when it first came out. Truly enjoyed this video.

[@CharlesKincaid]

I would have loved to have seen this in theaters. I first watched it at random back when Hulu still carried the Criterion collection. It was one of those few films I knew was special while watching it. Thank you!

[@henriqueadolfofreitas9183]

Astonishing the feelings this film raises in all those who have their souls somehow submerged in music. The scene where the singing talents of Veronique are taken by the hearing talents of her teachers are unique. The atmosphere of the film is perfect amidst shadows, pale greenish screens and youth emotions at large, loose , crossing eyes and minds. Masterpiece!

[@mariuszwesolowski2246]

This is a great, unforgettable cinematic work of art indeed. Among its many spiritual treasures there is hidden an old belief that meeting one's doppelganger (as in 'Weronika meets Veronique' scene) presages one's death.

[@ianshaw9874]

Well, I have no ground for knowing if La Double Vie... is greatest ever but I have seen t maybe eight times ad see new things each tim. Simply wonderful!

[@charlotterose8301]

This is a really lovely video. I'm studying art film, I have been told to study this movie from a teacher and this video has really helped thank you!

[@CharlesKincaid]

You’re welcome! Glad to know you enjoyed it, and that your class is covering it.

[@artivism4068]

id love to hear more about art film. hit me up on @theartofstrangers on IG

[@artrebel2764]

A beautifully written video that helped me further connect with this truly great and emotionally moving movie. I need to watch the movie again and to just feel....rather than think. For me this movie has always been a deep spiritual journey into a work of art. It is truly satisfying to know that others are moved by this movie in similar ways. Thank you Charles for you insights....they are very much appreciated.

[@garethedwardking5860]

'La Doble Vie..' has so many levels and readings. It's a film that's almost impossible to review but you do a wonderful job here and your voice is pure magic.

[@mattylujan]

“...although it is a beautiful film to watch, the plot is highly lacking and I won’t be watching it again. Sorry.” My ex just messaged me this yesterday, as a kind of jab; some salt on an open wound. But I think I’m now officially over the heartbreak.

[@Hung-er6eh]

Matthew Lujan Agree.... the cinematography is stunning, yet the plot is kind of supernatural too mysterious , and hard for most to keep reflecting on. But Kieslowski take the plot, camera movement, and cinematography to the next level in “Red”, which is highly rewatchable .

[@williamcervetti1455]

"the plot is highly lacking"....(!!!) Oh, God is that a joke?? It would be a masterpiece even if only for the decisive way it deals with the entire notion of conventional "plot". One quietly shattering takeaway from Veronique is that we are players in "someone else's cosmic plot"....

[@artivism4068]

she wasnt meant to be brother. this was confirmation

[@piotrkonieczynski]

I would block her phone number.

[@acdragonrider]

@@Hung-er6eh For me Blue was the masterpiece.

[@hflynn927]

Wonderful. I've seen many similar "visual essays" and I find that most of them don't end up saying much at all. This one does. Thanks for sharing.

[@CharlesKincaid]

I’ve noticed that same issue, and I’m always afraid I’m doing the same. Thank you!

[@georgerichardson7728]

Thank you Charles, I've loved this film since I first saw it years ago, one of life's gems.

[@hazel66]

Great video! I love how you talk about how the film allows itself to be uncanny and have a sense that a love of it happens outside the visible world. I've been frustrated and disillusioned with The Church for a long time, but this everything is literally and explained and nothing is greater than our waking world or ourselves doesn't seem to be an improvement. If nothing is sacred than everything is to be exploited. This is my favorite film. The melancholy and eeriness, the mysteriousness. The film seems to be happening somewhere between waking and dreaming. Thank you for your video, and I look forward to seeing more from you.

[@CharlesKincaid]

Thanks for the kind words, James. The film is an amazing little gem. It's hard to imagine it came out during the fall of such an oppressive government, but it did, and it's one of the most beautiful movies ever made. Definitely one of the best.

[@pavlebanjac1392]

Thanks for this, my favourite Kieslowski film

[@melocotonki]

I enjoy this video very much! Thank you for your analysis and for sharing it, I rewatched the movie yesterday and have been thinking about it all day, watching this video gave some shape to my thoughts :)

[@barrett3930]

One of my favorite films. Great video.

[@bittendalfoss6110]

It's a beautiful movie and one of my favorites too. I watched all his movies back then. It was a special Cinema time back then. I also bougth the soundtrack and still enjoy listeneing to it. The music is full of narrative.

[@annasanta9103]

Kieslowski is also one of my top 3 favourite film directors. I feel calmness in his movie , I adore him and his body of works,

[@SC_YM]

deeply moved by this interpretation for my favorite movie in all the past years. I really appreciated the accurate capture for the soul of visual language and intellectual articulation. Like most of Kieslowski's movie, it's difficult to verbalize the reason all the attachment, curiosity and confusion --- but you've done a incredible job. I'm wondering if you've seen another movie, Tous les matins du monde (all the mornings of the world), in my memory I oftenly linked those two films together.

[@CharlesKincaid]

Thank you for the kind words. His work has meant a lot to me, and I hope I’ve done it justice in my commentary. I haven’t seen Tous les matins du Monde, but I’ll have to give it a watch.

[@63MGB1]

Wonderful job! I never can say what my favorite film is, I can say that there is no film I love more. A number may be equal.

[@magorzatakot7811]

thank you so much- it is also my favourite movie- I'm Polish living in Poland, Kieślowski has always been my master- director and Prisener one of the best composers I have ever known so far, ps I really enjoyed this video created by you, thanks a lot

[@cezar211091]

You have a good voice, man

[@CharlesKincaid]

One part nature, one part nurture. Thanks!

[@cezar211091]

:)

[@CharlesKincaid]

Thank you!

[@estebanhidalgo1757]

I came upon this video on 2021 and I have to tell you, it was amazing.

[@btmanningcroft]

Loved this. Outstanding. A great essay on one of my favorites. Would love to see your insights on the THREE COLORS TRILOGY in this format. Many thanks!

[@CharlesKincaid]

Thanks +John Levy, always glad to hear people enjoyed the video. I'd love to cover Three Colors, but it'll probably be some time down the road.

[@vitomania04]

Thank you for this analysis. I really enjoyed the film more after listening to your insight. Dajeeeee

[@sarajad7372]

Great essay, thanks for the good job

[@cojaysea]

This is a great mysterious thought provoking film . I get lost in it .

[@4021971]

I saw this movie over 25 years ago and it is still my favorite movie of all time. Nothing before or after has taken its place.

[@CharlesKincaid]

I'd rank two or three other movies alongside it, but it's hard to imagine anything displacing it.

[@artivism4068]

can you elaborate? Being a big fan of this film, Id love to hear why.. :D

[@artivism4068]

@@CharlesKincaid why do you think that is?

[@zacharyantle7940]

I really can't decide which is my favorite film of all time, this, or Bergman's Cries and Whispers :')

[@CharlesKincaid]

I'd give it to this. Cries and Whispers is great, but I'm more of a Wild Strawberries guy when it comes to Bergman.

[@zacharyantle7940]

Charles Kincaid Fair enough. btw you got Twitter or anything?

[@CharlesKincaid]

Zach Antle I do, but I haven't used it much lately. That should change soon.

[@zacharyantle7940]

Charles Kincaid can i add you then? :)

[@CharlesKincaid]

Zach Antle go right ahead.

[@butterfly1889]

Beautifully said

[@Sun.Shine-]

I heard the title peace in Euphoria (i love theatrical orchestral peaces) and I was drawn in and found this film. But the music fills the air with a melancholy, wonder & deja vu ❤️

[@yyas959]

Magical film

[@ericdavidwallace]

Excellent video. Thank you. As Mr. Hitchcock said. “After all, life is a great Mystery”.

[@kessler.bowman]

really good video man. you did a great job

[@CharlesKincaid]

Thanks! Have more on the way.

[@sharmaluna9794]

Explained well!

[@FramesOfEmpathy]

Amazing video!

[@prashunpcchakraborty70]

Excellent stuff man, what's your and the others commenting on here take on the ending? In one of my interpretations Veronique leaves the puppeteer and goes back to her father with the knowledge that the romance in her mind was not as good in reality, in a way she has grown up. In another one I wonder if the puppeteer saying he has two of them since they always break has a deeper meaning, God (the ultimate puppeteer) having two of us to play with incase one breaks down?

[@MaxV11]

Lovely, thank you :)

[@tonylawless3504]

Very good!

[@antoniocarrasco2249]

amazing videoa. Congrats !!!

[@CaptnShred]

Great job! Subbed

[@LanDred1]

Great work

[@lazzerbury]

great video, thanks

[@shubhranshubasistha9002]

Please make a video on Andrei Tarkovsky's 'The Stalker'......recently watched it and it has blown my mind away.

[@carlosbarton763]

Wonderful analysis (I loved the side-by-side shots e.g. 3:08). I re-watched this film a few days ago and it's now amongst my favourite films ever, Jacob might be one of my all-time top 5 lead female performances. What kind of film-related videos are you planning to upload in the near future, if you don't mind me asking?

[@MTajvidi]

great video

[@parkergiele]

It's fascinating to me how you can draw a parallel between the French continental philosophical tradition, the American analytical one and their respective cinematic traditions.

[@parkergiele]

great video by the way

[@dipanjanyoyo]

thank you so much for such a vivid yet lucid explanation of the movie. An earnest request, could you make a video on Kieslowski’s three colours trilogy :)

[@CharlesKincaid]

+DipanjanDc that's one I want to work on. It might be some time down the road, but I'll get to it.

[@dipanjanyoyo]

looking forward :D

[@blackmegriffin9240]

Your voice is Beautiful

[@CharlesKincaid]

Thank you!

[@adibaejaz5365]

what exactly do you mean when you use the terms 'analytic' and 'synthetic'? just asking because I've never heard them in film analysis before

[@shrutiwayne7440]

You have never heard of dialectic duality? Search up Hegel

[@Vane00116]

Me encantó❤

[@todormia]

thank you!

[@anangelskissinspring330]

❤

[@johanvanoosterhout541]

Only twins understand this film. This film is my favourite one. Twin life is the most intense, difficult life you can have. You need to be strong spiritualy, mentally, fysically and psychology.

[@nazaren45]

👍👍

[@kataiwannhn]

Do they fit?

[@bestpeter78]

where i can watch this??

[@CharlesKincaid]

It should be available on the Criterion channel, you could probably get a free trial

[@thewaitisogre]

this movie obliterated my wig!!!!!

[@artivism4068]

what do you mean? did this movie affect you deeply like me?

[@TommyVercetti8]

You sounds like HAL 9000 !!

[@CharlesKincaid]

My mind is slipping, Dave.

[@TommyVercetti8]

@@CharlesKincaid Open the Pod bay doors, HAL.

[@David-mg1yj]

There's no such thing as Rebirth.

[@Oceansta]

Found the film too self-indulgent.

[@joancollaku8744]

how

[@shrutiwayne7440]

How

[@raksh9]

how

[@pablosanchez120]

how

[@Oceansta]

How

[@CR055FIRE]

it's well shot but fundamentally it's a trite and boring film

[@Lucky_Patrick]

This movie is absolute trash over pretentious drivel. Overly long, useless scenes that dont actually amount to anything, mixed with sub plots that lead to nothing. An absolute waste of time. As a matter of fact, even the main plot leads to nothing. Zero doesnt do justice in grading this pseudo intellectual piece of garbage. It is the exact kind of trash people who want to appear smart and profound enjoy drooling over and gets taught in fim school like its some kind of artistic masterpiece when its plain artsy fartsy bullshit. Atmosphere, imagery and mood are not enough to make a good film. If you look deep enough you can extract meaning and take away anything that fits your narrative when there is no proof or confirmation that it was the movie makers real intent. People finding any actual meaning in this movie are just looking for a needle in a haystack and taking any figment of their imagination as fact.

[@iicii77]

But you can't deny that the scene were the Polish Weronica collapses was really shocking and well made, i didn't particularly enjoyed the film but that scene was of the best along with when they meet eachother