The Difficulty of Existence

Author: Jean Cocteau
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: In 1960, Jean Cocteau (1889—1963) wrote, directed, and starred in The Testament of Orpheus (Le Testament d’Orphee). In the French cinema, which is never short of geniuses, The Testament of Orpheus is hailed as a "work of destiny" and a "poetic film." Cocteau portrayed the protagonist in the film, who, according to his own account, was "one foot in life and one foot in death." Three years later, on October 11, 1963, Cocteau received the news of the death of Edith Piaf, the legendary singer who sang "La Vie en Rose." She was one of his closest friends. "Today is the last day I have to live," he said, then fainted and never woke up again. The Testament of Orpheus became Cocteau’s own testament. It is said to be his most autobiographical work. The poet compared himself to Orpheus, a comparison rich in meaning. The Difficulty of Being: Is this a book that will spark controversy between passionate readers and conservative readers? For one side, it means victory, while for the other, it means a concession. You can even hear their dialogue! In the end, one man said, "Alright, let me express my opinion. I agree with you. This book, yes, has earned your attention. It’s not very much like Cocteau, and to be honest, there are so few beetles, so few dragonflies in your author’s style." He saw it this way, and so did I—I hardly recognized the "Jean": harsh, sharp like insect chirping, charm coming from his fluency and decisiveness. The Difficulty of Being is a unique book, a book written by the roadside, a book about exile and the fear of exile. Rarely in the style of Sandro Sottili, seldom with the characteristics of Flegley. It takes courage to admit: Cocteau occupies a corner of the gray, gloomy sky.