Review of Contempt (1963) by Jj M — 14 May 2011
Typically convoluted for good measure by Godard, Le Mepris is an outstanding experiment in dramatic filming...long real-time shots with various cameras, filming a film within a film, casting a great of early cinema as himself (Fritz Lang).
It also has a trenchant and sorrowful score that accompanies the story of a disintegrating marriage (which oddly parallels the production of a film about The Odyssey) perfectly. The fact that Bardot, an iconic glamour actress, acts her role to artistic perfection is, as I see it, a triumph for Godard.
Her presence is offered to us as an object of desire, as well as part of a study in sexual politics. On one level she provides Godard with commercial potential, while on another she embodies artistic expression.
Magnificent setting on Capri Island in Italy too.
This review of Contempt (1963) was written by Jj M on 14 May 2011.
Contempt has generally received very positive reviews.
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