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But why these films?
And do they have any particular significance to Cuarons work?
Oury was a Jewish actor turned director whod fled France for Monaco at the outbreak of World War II.
He began his directorial career at the age of 40 but found limited success helming dramas.
When he switched to comedy, however, his luck changed.
La Grande Vadrouilleplayed the U.S. a few years later under the titleDont Look Now … (Writing this piece involved tracking down a DVD from South Korea.)
But it clearly made an impression on Cuaron, and its not hard to see why.
BothLa Grande VadrouilleandRomaare nostalgic for awful times, even if only Cuarons acknowledges that uneasy mix of emotions.
Above, the movie tells a story with a happy ending.
Below life is more complicated.
Maroonedwon an Academy Award for its special effects, which remain quite impressive.
But it didnt find much traction at the box office, or with critics.
Thats not entirely unfair.
It works as a solid space-age drama.
