La voix humaine + The Human Voice

Saturday, Oct. 1, 1:00 p.m.
Philadelphia Film Center
Part of Opera on Film
Part of Festival O22

Two films based on the same Jean Cocteau play come together for a fascinating double feature, as James Darrah’s 2021 La voix humaine starring Patricia Racette is paired with Pedro Almódovar’s 2020 The Human Voice starring Tilda Swinton. Darrah’s adaptation of the Poulenc opera, produced by Opera Philadelphia, tells the story of one woman (Racette) as she grapples with grief, denial, and anger in the face of unrequited love, all shared through a one-sided telephone call. In Almodóvar’s first English-language film, called “the most rewarding 30 minutes you could imagine” by Rolling Stone, a woman (Swinton) watches time passing next to the suitcases of her ex-lover (who is supposed to come pick them up, but never arrives) and a restless dog who doesn’t understand that his master has abandoned him. 

The Human Voice is rated R for some drug content and nude images. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.