L'Atalante (1934)
The whimsical DNA of French cinema.
Presentation:
Everyone seems to consider Citizen Kane the foundation of modern filmmaking, but there was an even better film 7 years prior. L’Atalante is a French classic most notable for its artistic cinematography. I kid you not, there are frames in here that put Orson Welles to shame, and they are numerous. The reason the film isn’t perhaps more well known is because it is a somewhat quirky romantic adventure with silly characters. But I’d argue that the message in this film resonates more ubiquitously compared to the colder gravitas of Citizen Kane.
Conclusion:
This is a funny, whimsical, early film showcasing the filmmaking prowess of French cinema. Most people won’t bother with old black and white films, but if you were to watch one French classic, let alone any classic, this would be a strong contender. It’s not too long, well paced, and most importantly fun for audiences in 2026. Sure it’s not as deep compared to some of the other films during the Great Depression, but sometimes the deepest connection in cinema can be as simple as love and laughs.
Recommendations
The whimsical DNA of French cinema.