Orpheus (Orphée)

1950, France, Jean Cocteau, 95 min.

Introduced by Max Blagg.

Orpheus is a gifted musician who descends into the underworld to reclaim his dead wife on the condition that he not look at her until she is reunited with the land of the living. Jean Cocteau sets this ancient Greek myth in modern-day Paris with added twists that would have startled the ancient Greeks, especially a romantic triangle with Death as a third partner. Orpheus’s journey to the underworld expresses Cocteau’s own preoccupations with artistic inspiration, sexual obsession, and sacrifice.

“The poet is the liar who always speaks the truth.” —Jean Cocteau

This film was selected by the artist Genesis Breyer P-Orridge, whose exhibition Try to Altar Everything closes August 1

About the Introducer

Max Blagg was born in England and has lived in New York City since 1971. A highly respected poet, writer, and performer on the New York literary scene, he has appeared at innumerable venues, including the Kitchen, Guggenheim Museum, Parrish Museum, Jackie 60, St. Mark’s Church, the National Arts Club, Bowery Poetry Club, CBGB, the Gershwin Hotel, the Performing Garage, and many other choice locations.