Review of Breathless (1960) by The Phantom C — 01 Feb 2013
The one singular thing about Jean-Luc Godard's masterpiece Breathless (A bout de souffle) that makes it so captivating is its style. It's not really about the lead character, because he is truly an awful person.
He does terrible things, says terrible things and treats the women in his life, well, terribly. But there's also something hypnotic about him that draws you in and makes you want to know more about him, which plays into the film's style.
A lot of jump cuts and random pieces of information form the basis of this man and gives his character a kinetic sort of energy. On the other hand, you're also interested in the development of the relationship he has with his mistress, who is, of course, wonderful in the film.
It may seem pretentious at times, but if you really pay attention and soak it in, you'll develop a fondness for the characters and their plight. It may move slowly and not have a whole lot of drama to it, but it keeps your interest up quite well.
This review of Breathless (1960) was written by The Phantom C on 01 Feb 2013.
Breathless has generally received very positive reviews.
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