La Double Vie De Veronique was finally released on DVD (Tartan in the UK). This is my most favourite film of all time. It’s a masterpiece of moody romanticism and musings of universal intertwiningness, by Krzysztof Kieślowski and starring Irène Jacob (Best Actress, Cannes 1991). Irène also starred in the later Kieślowski film Three Colours: Red, both that and Blue are remarkbly similar. However just like each of the Three Colours trilogy has its own charms, Veronique is unique in its duality (throughout there are many moments of reflection) and it features a singularly moving musical score. Specifically Zbigniew Preisner’s fabrications of fictitious Dutch composer Van den Budenmayer.

I originally saw this film on French TV shortly after its release and I only came across it flicking through channels, it was a crappy set with bad reception, but the atmosphere drew me in and glued me to it. Some years later I got to see it on British TV, but haven’t seen it again in the intervening 10 years or so. In fact it would be fair to say it was the starting point in my affinity for film, and that it is still my top-rated film despite this time is testament to its impact on my memory.

The original trailer quoted someone from the Boston Globe: A tour de force of incandescent images. I couldn’t sum it up better.

I loved the mysterious, almost dreamy, mood; I loved the outstanding Irène Jacob’s performance; I loved the warm and beautiful photography; and I loved, loved, loved the music!

Carrick: it has just been released on DVD a few months ago, check it out.

I saw The Double Life of Veronique something like seven times when it came out in theaters in 1991. At the time, I connected with this film like no other. I loved the mysterious narrative, the beautiful photography, the gorgeous music, the relaxed pace, the odd romance, and most of all the actress Irene Jacob. I still love all those things about it.

I own it on VHS, but for the love of all things good and beautiful in the world, why is this film not on DVD?! It’s a tragedy.