Review of Breathless (1960) by Frankie A — 16 Aug 2008
When you get past the writing and directing credentials of the film, and its seminal place in new wave cinema, this is bottom-line a feminist movie, much more than Breakfast at Tiffany's which followed a year later, and also was about a sophisticated girl in the big city.
Jean Seberg's character controls every part of her life; what she does, when she has sex, and with whom, how she spends her day and deciding for herself who she loves, and whether she is going along someone else's ride or following her own path.
She hooks up with a car thief and grifter on holiday, and decides for herself when it's over. There is long a scene when Patrica and Michel are in her apartment, and the tough hood is trying to get her into bed, and keeps pawing at her and she manages to control the situation completely; whether its with words or a slap, she is in charge until she is interested - a very realistic scene that is not prevalent in most films.
I love the Paris setting, the location camera work and Jean Seberg's restrained acting. I think her wardrobe is sexy too!
This review of Breathless (1960) was written by Frankie A on 16 Aug 2008.
Breathless has generally received very positive reviews.
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