Life of Riley

2014, Alain Resnais, 108 minutes

The final work by the late, revered director Alain Resnais, Life of Riley shows that, even at the twilight of his life, Resnais wanted to bring joy to his audiences. This beautifully stylized adaptation of Alan Ayckbourn’s play deftly explores mortality—specifically, the impending death of one George Riley. George himself is never seen; the narrative is told through the actors around him who are busy rehearsing for a play. The juxtaposition of actors with the film’s exaggerated sets is a hallmark of Resnais’ experimental, theatrical style.

Awards:

2014 Berlin International Film Festival, FIPRESCI Prize and Alfred Bauer Prize