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Jean Cocteau (1889-1963) Profile of a Writer: Jean Cocteau - Autobiography of an Unknown (1983 - French Language) This excellent biographical documentary focuses on Jean Cocteau (1889-1963) the acclaimed French writer, painter, film director, screenwriter, set designer, and actor who had published poetry and was editing a magazine at the age of 16. Using audio and video interviews with Cocteau before his death, director Edgardo Cozarinsky adeptly brings out Cocteau's multitalented genius, sharp wit, and perceptive views of people, places, and past eras. An admirer of Igor Stravinsky, Pablo Picasso, and Claude Debussy -- to name a few of the major artists and composers he knew -- Cocteau provides both moving and amusing anecdotes about his famous and not-so-famous favorite people. (For example, Sarah Bernhardt considered the acclaimed, innovative Ballets Russes "jumping fleas.") Clips from a few of Cocteau's films are included, as well as footage of himself with well-known personalities from the first half of the 20th century. Both entertaining and enlightening, this is a well-crafted and clear approach to one of the century's most unusual and gifted personalities. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide La villa Santo Sospir (1952) Subtitles A 35-minute color film by Cocteau entitled "La Villa Santo Sospir." Shot in 1952, this is an "amateur film" done in 16mm, a sort of home movie in which Cocteau takes the viewer on a tour of a friend's villa on the French coast (a major location used in Testament of Orpheus). The house itself is heavily decorated, mostly by Cocteau (and a bit by Picasso), and we are given an extensive tour of the artwork. Cocteau also shows us several dozen paintings as well. Most cover mythological themes, of course. He also proudly shows paintings by Edouard Dermithe and Jean Marais and plays around his own home in Villefranche. This informal little project once again shows the joy Cocteau takes in creating art, in addition to showing a side of his work (his paintings and drawings) that his films often overshadow. RESOURCES: Jean Cocteau in UbuWeb Sound Scanner's version of Cocteau's "The Human Voice" in UbuWeb Sound Jean Cocteau : Wikipedia Entry This UbuWeb resource is presented in partnership with GreyLodge UbuWeb Film | UbuWeb PennSound | GreyLodge | Artmob | EPC | WFMU