Breathless (1960)

Two days ago iconic French filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard had departed our world at 91. As the world of unconventional cinema celebrates his life and art. This is my tribute to the godfather of the French New Wave.

Godard was a rule-breaking master and he revolutionized cinema as an art form. He was, arguably, the most influential French filmmaker and he originated the, arguably, most influential film movement in cinema history, 1960s French New Wave.

I am listing here today, Breathless, Godard's first feature as a part of an entire filmography recommendation.

...

55/101

Breathless (1960)

Original title: À bout de souffle (France)

Written and directed by Jean-Luc Godard

*SPOILER FREE

Breathless is crime drama following a Parisian wandering criminal, Michel, and his American sweetheart, Patricia, as he's trying to persuade her to run with him to Italy after committing a number of crimes.

This is groundbreaking cinema at its peak. The narrative, the camerawork, the jump-cuts, the jazzy sound, the documentary style, the dialog, the gun and the girl.

This is a homage to American crime and romance cinema, especially those of Humphrey Bogart.

There was before Breathless, and there was after Breathless!

...

Godard may have left us but his work and art will remain a landmark of world cinema.

"Godard is the one who taught me the fun, and the freedom, and the joy of breaking rules. He's just fucking around with the entire medium." ~ Quentin Tarantino

R.I.P. Jean

...

Available to watch on Google Play, HBO Max, The Criterion Collection, and on Amazon Prime Video

#hamzeh101 #101movies #jeanlucgodard #breathless #frenchnewwave #onlygreatcinema #blackandwhite #motionpictures #arthouse #movies #cinema #art