The Red Balloon is, by far, one of my all-time favorite films. (Quite possibly, in the top 25.) But, I suppose at just a mere 34 minutes, “short” is the more accurate term for this brilliant work of art. Last year, when at The Getty Museum for the Herb Ritts exhibit, I finally found a copy in the gift shop. This 1956 adventure, by French filmmaker Albert Lamorisse, (who won an Oscar for Best Writing/Original Screenplay) is a beautiful tale of a day in a child’s life and his unfettered imagination.
On his way to school one morning, Pascal (Lamorisse’s real-life son), has a chance encounter with his soon-to-be new best friend: a truly anthropormorphic, large, red balloon. Like a doting pet, it not only follows him to school, (drawing stares and creating a classroom commotion) but, like any truly faithful side-kick, it dutifully awaits his dismissal; allowing the two "buddies" to continue on their day’s adventure, and the mischief that's bound to ensue. This film definitely gives a whole new meaning to the term "a flight of fancy."
You may remember that in 2007, Juliette Binoche starred in a modern version of this piece titled, Flight of The Red Balloon. Even though she is one of my favorite actresses, "Flight" never really took off for me. (Pun intended.) It reminded me of when a singer covers a classic song by an iconic artist; Some things are better left untouched.
On his way to school one morning, Pascal (Lamorisse’s real-life son), has a chance encounter with his soon-to-be new best friend: a truly anthropormorphic, large, red balloon. Like a doting pet, it not only follows him to school, (drawing stares and creating a classroom commotion) but, like any truly faithful side-kick, it dutifully awaits his dismissal; allowing the two "buddies" to continue on their day’s adventure, and the mischief that's bound to ensue. This film definitely gives a whole new meaning to the term "a flight of fancy."
You may remember that in 2007, Juliette Binoche starred in a modern version of this piece titled, Flight of The Red Balloon. Even though she is one of my favorite actresses, "Flight" never really took off for me. (Pun intended.) It reminded me of when a singer covers a classic song by an iconic artist; Some things are better left untouched.
All images via imdv.com
The Red Balloon, in its entirety...
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