Rowing across the Atlantic
France1978animated24'Jean-François Laguionie Retrospective
A young couple embarks on a lone boat trip across the Atlantic ocean. The first year of the voyage is idyllic, including sunsets to the sound of the harp and the clarinet and dolphins jumping around the ship. Soon, however, they witness the disaster of the Titanic, their food supplies begin to vanish, the boat battles subsequent storms, and mutual resentment and distrust emerge between the characters. The entries in their diary enable the audience to observe the situation from the perspective of the two lovers. A grotesque, and even macabre at times, tale of love put to the test of time and the crises faced by people sharing a journey and life together.
- directed by
- Jean-François Laguionie
Jean-François Laguionie (born 1939 in Besançon) is a French animation filmmaker who blends surrealism and impressionism. A student of Paul Grimault, he abandoned theatre in favor of animated film as an art form. His style is marked by gouache technique, interplay of light, and maritime motifs—seen in works like The Lady and the Cellist, Rowing Across the Atlantic, and Louise by the Shore. He also explores social and political themes while maintaining a poetic, unique style.
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