La Jetee

1962 science fiction non-motion picture

Rating: 17/20

Plot: Things ain't good in post-war Paris. Scientists are exploring time travel with human guinea pigs for the purpose of finding a solution to modern problems. One poor guy, during an expedition to a time before the war, becomes infatuated with a woman from the past.

Ninety-nine percent of this half hour flick is still photography, often enigmatic and often nightmarish imagery providing the visuals for the narrator's story. The lone scene with movement is seemingly random, but the effect is nonetheless powerful. The still lifes give this a coldly disturbing ambiance. Add a cool little time travel story (although admittedly, the surprise ending wasn't much of a surprise at all) and some eerie sound effects/music, and you've got yourself a winner. A dreamy little visual essay on time and memory.