#351. Breathless (1960, Jean-Luc Godard)

Have I Seen It Before?: Yes


Thoughts Before Viewing: This is one I really didn't like upon first viewing.  However, seeing that I've been on a French New Wave kick lately, I must give this another shot.  This, along with The 400 Blows (1959), is the grandaddy of French New Wave after all.

Running Time: 90 minutes
Directed By: Jean-Luc Godard
Written By: Francois Truffaut
Primary Cast: Jean-Paul Belmondo, Jean Seberg, Daniel Boulanger


Summary: A small time thief steals a car and impulsively murders a motorcycle policeman.  Wanted by the authorities, he reunites with a hip American journalism student and attempts to persuade her to run away with him to Italy.



My Thoughts: Well I ended up loving this upon a second viewing.  All of the reasons I used to hate are the reasons why I now love it.  Minimal plot, strong style, engaging characters, I truly felt gripped from start to finish.  There is a real unique charm here that fully unraveled itself upon this viewing.  I love its manic energy, when primarily stems from the hyper jump cut editing.  This is basically the origin of the MTV music video type of approach.


The entire thing just defines cinematic cool.  There is an undeniable cool here that's both ironic and genuine that I just can't help but love.  It's a primary blueprint for Quentin Tarantino's style.  Way ahead of its time.  I cannot wait to dive into more Jean-Luc Godard.  This is the only film that I've seen of his in the book.



Does It Belong In The Book?: Yes.  Massively influential and an absolute game changer for filmmaking.  Had a Citizen Kane-esque effect on indie filmmaking.



My Rating: 9/10