Eselshaut (1970)

Eselshaut: Directed by Jacques Demy. With Catherine Deneuve, Jean Marais, Jacques Perrin, Micheline Presle. A fairy godmother helps a princess disguise and flee the kingdom so she won’t have to marry the king who happens to be her father.

“I first watched this movie at 14 and I had forgotten most of it when I got hold of the DVD. From the start I could tell that the movie had an unusual angle, and that is was deconstructing the traditional fairy tale – but it went far beyond that and one of its qualities is that it never takes itself seriously. Deneuve is as stunning as ever; Perrin, Marais and especially Seyrig are most effective in supporting roles; the music is really gentle but highly effective; and the direction inspired. I think it is a film with far more to teach than critics would believe or allow. I am glad I found this film and saw it again. As for my kids, they felt it was far more advanced than anything kids see these days.”