Jean-Luc Godards new wave masterpieceBreathlessis posture as statement.
Michel is a gangster, but one that acutely aware of trying to be Bogart-esque.
This is only one facet of what makesBreathlessone of the great films fifty years on.
My review of Criterions Blu-ray ofBreathlessfollows after the jump.
Godard happily abuses cinematic notions of time.
Whether time has passed or not is unimportant, the film is more alive for this daring.
With Martial Solals music providing a jazzy feel, the film establishes a poseur cool.
He hides out with his girlfriend Patricia (Jena Seberg).
But they are also young and happy to make blatantly presumptions statements about love and sex.
This is a crime story and Belmondo is a charming thug.
Its perfect casting, while Seberg makes for a great female lead modern in her haircut and sexual attitudes.
But he captured something withBreathless.
As the title suggests, this has the energy of a sprint, and that energy is timeless.
And even fifty years later, infectious.
The Criterion Blu-ray improves on the standard def release with the new transfer.
The film is still presented in full-frame and in 1.0 monaural sound.
But the quality is as Ive said excellent.
Theres a series of interview with Godard, Belmondo, Seberg, and Melville (27 min.)
about the film from around period.
Pennebaker offers his thoughts on the film (11 min.)
as does Jonathan Rosenbaum (11 min.).
Also included is Mark Rappaports essay on Seberg (19 min.).
One of Godards early short films Charlotte et son Jules (12 min.)
is also included, along with the films theatrical trailer.
