Review of Breathless (2009) by William C — 18 Dec 2008

I feel like I'm betraying the history of film when I say this, but here goes: Breathless underwhelmed me. Sure, I could definitely see what would become the makings of the way we see cinema today. Sure, I now understand it's importance in the history of cinema, and how it could very well be considered one of the most influential films of all time.

And, damn, that second act was a marathon of ass-kicking curb-stomping meandering conversation (as weird as that sounds). But, as a whole, it feels a little disjointed and gratingly (here goes...) hipster-ish.

I get the gross feeling that I am an elitist prick for liking this movie, because of its vibe, its 60s brand of concentrated cool, and the fact that it's incredibly French. True, this shouldn't hold me back from liking it as much as I should, but it honestly does become a little overwhelming for me.

Despite its pretentiousness, however, it's pretty neat, and a takes really intriguing detours into existentialism. It's definitely a weird one, and a favorite to those who ride fixed-gear bicycles with their skinny jeans rolled up on one leg.