Lola

Dir. Jacques Demy (1961).
Jacques Demy’s insouciant first feature, shot in his hometown of Nantes, is also his most New Wave—always threatening to turn into a cinema vérité Hollywood musical. American sailors roam through the port and a sad young man seeks solace in an obscure Mark Robson movie. Demy’s fondness for the American extends to its eponymous heroine. Anouk Aimee’s character may be named for Marlene Dietrich’s femme fatale, but basically she’s playing Marilyn Monroe in Bus Stop—at once brazen and vulnerable, full of breathy chatter and giggly innocence.

Fri., Oct. 23, 2, 4:30, 6:50 & 9:30 p.m., 2009