My father and I watched La Jetée (1962) this afternoon. I had been cautioned that it might not be as impressive as its reputation, but I found it incredibly haunting, one of the most beautiful things I have seen on a screen:

I've been wanting to see that since I heard 12 Monkeys was based on it.

things that are so tightly concentrated in themselves that they become both self and symbol

I like the sound of that.

must have been like having someone unscrew the top of your head and drop in a handful of slides. It was a good thing to see.

From what you describe, it definitely must have been. I've not seen nearly enough New Wave films . . .

My great-aunt, although she was never referred to as anything other than "Aunt Joy," died this morning.

I'm sorry.