Jean Vigo's second cinematic production was his only documentary. "Taris, roi de l'eau" (commonly called "Taris" for short) focuses on swimmer Jean Taris. It was noted for the underwater shots, as well as showing Taris diving in reverse. According to the commentary on the Criterion release, Vigo used the documentary to experiment with the different ways that he could film. He certainly achieved some impressive stuff here.
Vigo only completed four cinematic productions before dying of tuberculosis at the age of 29. He and Rainer Werner Fassbinder were probably the only directors who died during their primes (the latter of an overdose at 36). Even so, his four productions ensured that he would be more than a footnote in cinema history. I just binge-watched all four of his works, all of them masterpieces. Definitely check this one out.
Vigo only completed four cinematic productions before dying of tuberculosis at the age of 29. He and Rainer Werner Fassbinder were probably the only directors who died during their primes (the latter of an overdose at 36). Even so, his four productions ensured that he would be more than a footnote in cinema history. I just binge-watched all four of his works, all of them masterpieces. Definitely check this one out.