Cléo from 5 to 7 (1962)

Brief Intro

“Cléo from 5 to 7,” directed by Agnès Varda, is a captivating French New Wave film that takes viewers through two transformative hours in the life of Cléo, a pop singer awaiting her biopsy results. The film uniquely portrays her journey of self-discovery against the backdrop of 1960s Paris.

Literary Devices Used in Cléo from 5 to 7

Symbolism

Movie Scene	Device Example
Cléo’s wig and dress in the opening scene	Represents her constructed public image
Tarot card reading at the beginning	Foreshadows her existential crisis

Metaphor

Movie Scene	Device Example
The mirror in Cléo’s apartment	Reflects her self-obsession and vanity
Cléo walking through the streets of Paris	Represents her journey towards self-awareness

Irony

Movie Scene	Device Example
Cléo’s superficial songs contrasting her inner turmoil	Highlights the disconnect between her public and private selves
Dorothée’s nonchalance about nudity	Contrasts Cléo’s obsession with appearance

Foreshadowing

Movie Scene	Device Example
Tarot card reading predicting death	Sets the tone for Cléo’s fear of illness
Cléo’s encounter with the soldier	Hints at her eventual acceptance of fate

Motif

Movie Scene	Device Example
Recurrent clocks and time references	Emphasizes the passage of time and urgency
Black-and-white cinematography	Reflects Cléo’s mood and psychological state

Allegory

Movie Scene	Device Example
Cléo’s journey through Paris	Represents a journey through life and self-discovery
Conversations with various characters	Symbolize different aspects of society and human experience

Juxtaposition

Movie Scene	Device Example
Vibrant streets of Paris vs. Cléo’s inner turmoil	Highlights the contrast between her environment and emotions
Cléo’s carefree friends vs. her anxious self	Emphasizes her isolation and fear

Stream of Consciousness

Movie Scene	Device Example
Cléo’s thoughts while walking through Paris	Offers insight into her psyche
The final conversation with the soldier	Shows her growing introspection and acceptance

Pathetic Fallacy

Movie Scene	Device Example
Rain during Cléo’s emotional moments	Reflects her sadness and fear
Sunny weather in the final scene	Symbolizes her newfound hope and clarity

Symbolic Interactionism

Movie Scene	Device Example
Cléo’s interactions with her lover	Shows the superficial nature of their relationship
Conversation with the soldier	Demonstrates genuine human connection and empathy

Character Analysis Through Literary Devices

Cléo (Florence)

Literary Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Cléo’s wigs and dresses symbolize her constructed public persona
Stream of Consciousness	Provides a window into her fears and insecurities as she navigates her day
Metaphor	The mirror scenes represent her self-obsession and eventual self-reflection
Juxtaposition	Her interactions with carefree friends contrast with her inner turmoil, highlighting her isolation

Antoine (The Soldier)

Literary Device	Explanation
Symbolic Interactionism	His genuine interaction with Cléo contrasts with her previous superficial encounters
Allegory	Represents hope and acceptance, guiding Cléo towards self-awareness

Angèle (Cléo’s Assistant)

Literary Device	Explanation
Irony	Her practicality and concern for Cléo’s health juxtapose Cléo’s superficial worries
Foreshadowing	Her pragmatic outlook hints at the eventual reality Cléo must face

Character Dynamics

Device	Explanation
Juxtaposition	Cléo’s relationships with others highlight her personal growth
Symbolism	Interactions symbolize Cléo’s evolving understanding of herself and her place in the world

Thematic Analysis

Identity and Self-Perception

Literary Device	Explanation
Symbolism	Cléo’s wigs and costumes represent her fluctuating self-image
Metaphor	The mirror scenes underscore her journey of self-discovery

Mortality and Existentialism

Literary Device	Explanation
Foreshadowing	The tarot card reading sets a tone of impending doom
Stream of Consciousness	Cléo’s introspective thoughts reveal her existential fears

Feminine Identity

Literary Device	Explanation
Irony	Cléo’s outward beauty contrasts with her inner insecurity
Pathetic Fallacy	Weather changes reflect Cléo’s emotional states, emphasizing the theme of feminine sensitivity

The Passage of Time

Literary Device	Explanation
Motif	Recurrent clocks and time references underscore the urgency and fleeting nature of time
Allegory	Cléo’s journey through Paris represents the passage through different life stages

Cinematic Techniques That Enhance Literary Devices

Literary Device	Visual and Sound Technique	Explanation
Symbolism	Costume and set design	Reflects Cléo’s public persona and internal state
Irony	Contrasting music and dialogue	Highlights the disparity between Cléo’s outer life and inner turmoil
Foreshadowing	Use of lighting and shadows	Sets a foreboding mood, hinting at Cléo’s fears
Stream of Consciousness	Handheld camera movements	Mimics Cléo’s wandering thoughts and emotional instability
Pathetic Fallacy	Weather changes synchronized with narrative shifts	Reflects Cléo’s emotional journey, enhancing the audience’s emotional connection

Key Scene Analysis

Scene: Tarot Card Reading

• Link: Tarot Card Reading Scene (Find and verify actual working link)
• Breakdown: The tarot card reading scene sets the film’s tone, using foreshadowing to hint at Cléo’s fears about her health. The use of close-ups and shadows creates an atmosphere of suspense and anxiety, reflecting Cléo’s internal state.

Scene: Cléo Walking Through Paris

• Link: Cléo Walking Through Paris Scene (Find and verify actual working link)
• Breakdown: This scene employs stream of consciousness and juxtaposition to highlight Cléo’s evolving perspective. The handheld camera movements and natural sound design immerse the audience in her experience, illustrating her journey from self-obsession to self-awareness.

Scene: Final Conversation with Antoine

• Link: Final Conversation Scene (Find and verify actual working link)
• Breakdown: The scene uses symbolic interactionism and allegory to signify Cléo’s transformation. The sincere dialogue and intimate framing emphasize her connection with Antoine, symbolizing her acceptance of mortality and new-found hope.

Conclusion

Interactive Quiz:

1. What literary device is represented by Cléo’s wigs and dresses?
   • A) Irony
   • B) Symbolism
   • C) Metaphor
2. Which scene uses foreshadowing to set the tone for the film?
   • A) Cléo walking through Paris
   • B) Tarot card reading
   • C) Final conversation with Antoine
3. How does the film’s use of weather changes enhance the narrative?
   • A) It distracts from the main plot
   • B) It reflects Cléo’s emotional states
   • C) It creates an unrealistic atmosphere