# La Jetée > 1962 French science fiction featurette directed by Chris Marker **Wikidata**: [Q451434](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q451434) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Jetée) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/la-jetee ## Summary La Jetée is a 1962 French science fiction featurette directed by Chris Marker. It is a short film composed of a series of still images that tell a time travel story. The film is notable for its experimental approach to narrative and visual storytelling. ## Key Facts - Directed by Chris Marker and released on February 16, 1962 - Classified as a short film and science fiction film - Composed entirely of still images rather than moving footage - French production from France, a country in Western Europe - Features the concept of time travel as a central narrative element - Has 33 sitelinks across Wikimedia projects - Also known by aliases: Jetée, La Jetee, Jetee ## FAQs What type of film is La Jetée? La Jetée is a short film and science fiction featurette that uses still images instead of moving footage to tell its story. Who directed La Jetée? Chris Marker directed La Jetée, which was released in 1962. What is the main concept explored in La Jetée? The film explores the concept of time travel, depicting a hypothetical activity of traveling into the past or future. How long is La Jetée? As a short film, La Jetée is not long enough to be considered a feature film, though the exact runtime is not specified in the source material. ## Why It Matters La Jetée matters because it represents a groundbreaking approach to cinematic storytelling through its use of still photography to create a narrative film. Its experimental technique influenced future filmmakers and demonstrated that moving images aren't necessary to create a compelling cinematic experience. The film's exploration of time travel themes has made it a significant work in science fiction cinema, inspiring numerous adaptations and homages, most notably Terry Gilliam's "12 Monkeys." ## Notable For - Pioneering use of still images to create a narrative film experience - Influential science fiction storytelling that inspired later works - Experimental approach that challenged traditional filmmaking conventions - French New Wave contribution to avant-garde cinema - Time travel narrative that has become a reference point in the genre ## Body ### Film Classification and Format La Jetée is classified as both a short film and a science fiction film. As a short film, it is defined as any film not long enough to be considered a feature film, placing it in a category that emphasizes concise storytelling and experimental approaches. The science fiction classification connects it to a genre that explores speculative concepts, in this case focusing on time travel as its central narrative device. ### Visual Technique and Structure The film is composed entirely of a series of still images rather than traditional moving footage. This technique creates a unique viewing experience where the narrative unfolds through carefully sequenced photographs that give the impression of movement through their arrangement and the viewer's imagination. This approach distinguishes La Jetée from conventional cinema and demonstrates how still photography can be used to create a complete cinematic narrative. ### Historical Context and Production Produced in France in 1962, La Jetée emerged during a period of significant experimentation in world cinema. France, as a country in Western Europe with a rich cinematic tradition, provided the cultural context for this innovative work. The film was directed by Chris Marker, a French filmmaker known for his experimental and essayistic approach to cinema. ### Narrative Content The film's narrative centers on the concept of time travel, exploring the hypothetical activity of traveling into the past or future. This science fiction premise allows the film to examine themes of memory, time, and human experience through its unique visual approach. The time travel element connects La Jetée to broader science fiction traditions while its execution remains distinctly experimental. ### Cultural Impact and Legacy With 33 sitelinks across Wikimedia projects, La Jetée has maintained significant cultural relevance since its release. The film has become a reference point in discussions of experimental cinema and science fiction storytelling. Its influence extends to later works, most notably inspiring Terry Gilliam's feature film "12 Monkeys," which expands on similar themes and narrative elements. ### Technical Innovation By using still images instead of moving footage, La Jetée challenged conventional definitions of what constitutes a film. This technical innovation demonstrated that the essence of cinema lies not in the movement of images but in their sequence and the narrative they create. The film's success with this technique has influenced experimental filmmakers and expanded the possibilities of visual storytelling. ### International Recognition As a French production that has achieved international recognition, La Jetée represents an important contribution to world cinema. Its experimental approach and science fiction themes have resonated with audiences and filmmakers across cultural boundaries, establishing it as a significant work in both French cinema and global experimental film movements. ## References 1. [Source](http://stopklatka.pl/film/filar) 2. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=4788.html) 3. [Source](http://www.filmaffinity.com/en/film677007.html) 4. The Movie Database 5. La jetée. Rotten Tomatoes 6. Freebase Data Dumps 7. BBC Things 8. Kinopoisk 9. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020 10. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/27132) 11. Online-Filmdatenbank 12. Bechdel Test Movie List 13. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/99A5-516D-3EE3-3838-7DCE-W) 14. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File 15. Trakt.tv 16. FilmVandaag.nl