The Orphic Trilogy

"The Orphic Trilogy" is a film collection comprising three works by Jean Cocteau, created between 1932 and 1960. These films are characterized by their decadent, subversive nature and innovative artistic approach, reflecting Cocteau's multifaceted career as a poet, novelist, playwright, painter, and filmmaker during the pre-war period in Paris. The trilogy draws upon the Orphic myth to explore the intricate connections between artistic creation and its origins, as well as the interplay between reality and imagination. Spanning a total runtime of 230 minutes, the collection includes the films Le Sang d'un poète (1932), Orphée (1950), and Le Testament d'Orphée (1960). Cocteau’s distinct vision is evident throughout the trilogy, with each film contributing to a sustained exploration of these thematic concerns. The entire collection has a total budget and revenue of zero. The three films together represent a significant portion of Cocteau's cinematic output, showcasing his unique ability to blend artistic disciplines into bold and dreamlike visual storytelling. The Orphic myth serves as a framework for examining the creative process and the boundaries between perception and artistic expression within this collection.