The film is a lesser known gem of the French New Wave. Rivette defies all expectations of film and the result is utterly mad and nonsensical. There really isn't much in terms of plot. Two women meet by accident and set off on a series of bizarre adventures. It's fantasy presented as mundanely as possible. Watching the film is akin to falling down a rabbit hole where logic has ceased to be important. It's a thrilling ride if you don't push too much for answers. David Lynch as cited this film as a major influence and anyone who has seen "Mulholland Drive" will immediately make the connection to "Celine and Julie". It's also interesting to note how differently from his "New Wave" peers Rivette's camera gaze upon women. They aren't looked upon for sexual gratification. Rather, they are allowed to be fully humans. I'm skeptical of applying the Bechdel test to determine fair gender representation in a film but "Celine and Julie" would pass it with flying colors. I can't think of a single other New Wave film this can be said of.PS : The film was partly inspired by an Henry James short story “The Romance of Certain Old Clothes”. While reading the story won’t elucidate much of the film’s narrative, it does help follow along with the castle scenes.
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