Gérard Mordillat

Synopsis:
May, 1946, in Paris young poet Jacques Prevel meets Antonin Artaud, the actor, artist, and writer just released from a mental asylum. Over ten months, we follow the mad Artaud from his cruel coaching of an actress in his “theatre of cruelty” to his semi-friendship with Prevel who buys him drugs and hangs on his every word. Meanwhile, Prevel divides his time between Jany, his blond, young, drug-hazed mistress, and Rolande, his dark-haired, long-suffering wife, who has a child during this time. Cruelty, neglect, poverty, egoism, madness, and the pursuit of art mix on the Left Bank.Read More »

This three hour long French documentary chronicles the life and personality of famed French poet, actor and intellectual Antonin Artaud who passed away in 1948 when he was only 50-years old. His last two years were characterized by his insanity, and terrible pain. Though a famed actor and poet, Artaud is best remembered for his musings upon the true significance and power of words. The documentary includes archival footage, readings of his poems, examples of his art, and interviews with close friends.Read More »