Taris (1931)
Also called Jean Taris, Swimming Champion, this 10 minute short is really just footage of Jean Taris, a famous French swimmer. No rebellion here. However, that doesn't not make it a Jean Vigo film.
While the shots are impressive and well-composed, all in beautiful black and white, this film is really an exercise in cinematography, camera tricks, and lots of fun in the editing room.
There are several scenes with reversed footage, mainly of Taris magically zooming out of the water feet-first and back onto the edge of the pool. There are several instances of slow motion, a trick that also appears in À propos de Nice in a memorable flapper sequence, as well as Zero for Conduct in a very famous pillow fight.
The short ends with a rather surreal sequence of Taris once again backwards-zipping out of the pool, then dawning a coat and hat, then seemingly walking across the water. This was of course done in editing, but I can't help but wonder if this was a commonplace effect yet or if French audiences were terrified by their beloved Taris suddenly becoming a ghost that can float on the water.
Either way, it's amusing and fun, complete with the Vigo flair for innovative camera effects.
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