o hand in hand

"papa jules" is my new favorite movie character. that's the name of the sailor who assists the traveling newlyweds of jean vigo's amazing l'atalante, a recommendation from erin f. (who is always reliable when it comes to recommendations). papa jules sings and plays accordian, has weirdly explicit tatoos for a film from the thirties, collects wind up toys, is adorned with kitties, and repairs phonographs. he is an absolute sight to behold. i could think up a million "clever" ways to categorize l'atalante (tom waits directs breakfast at tiffanies!, a dada honeymoon!), but you know what? fuck that. just see it. see it to renew your faith in the effortless charisma of a work of art. see it for one of the most strangely erotic love scenes i've ever witnessed (involving two people who aren't even in the same bed). or just see it for papa jules. you'll know what i mean.