88. Cléo de 5 à 7 (Cleo from 5 to 7)

Virtually every moment of Cléo de 5 à 7 is begging to be freeze framed. This black-and-white film is stylised, dramatic, philosophical, sensual... the quintessential Nouvelle Vague movie. It follows singer Cléo (Corinne Marchand) in something approximating real time, as she awaits the results of tests for possible cancer.

The beautiful Cléo initially comes across as spoiled and melodramatic, but I found my attitude towards her softened as the film progressed. Corinne Marchand's acting lacks subtlety at first, but improves markedly (or maybe I just adjusted to her style). She whiles away the time with her housekeeper, her lover, a couple of musical collaborators, a friend, and finally (and most satisfyingly), with a stranger. Her hair, make-up and beautiful clothes are pure 60s, and even if you are not engaged by the storyline (which I was), you can't deny it looks fabulous (see below for a compilation of clips set to a Serge Gainsbourg track)

Cléo de 5 à 7 is directed by Agnès Varda, one of the Rive Gauche (Left Bank) group of directors, a contingent associated with the Nouvelle Vague. Only her second film (she is still active today), it demonstrates a striking confidence and a distinct taste for documentary-style realism. Definitely a welcome discovery (Varda's other notable films include Sans toit ni loi [Vagabond] and Les glaneurs et la glaneuse [The gleaners]).

Cléo de 5 à 7 is available via Curzon on Demand for £2.