Review of Contempt (1963) by Zane U — 16 Aug 2010
Contempt is a film in which the background and the meta-narratives provide the intrigue that the base film may be lacking. Whether it's the consideration of the film as an outlet for Godard's own estrangement to his muse, Anna Karina, or the notion of "selling out" being personified by Fritz Lang (and in Godard's most commercial film, to boot), the addition of these readings combine with the general plot of a jaded lover who doesn't want to have to explain why she is upset in order to create an infinitely interesting film.
Love, and falling out of it, is depicted in proper complexity. Notions of "the death of cinema" are depicted through the bullheaded producer who has no eye for film art (a prophetic characterization that predicted the transformation of Hollywood from auteur-based to blockbuster-based).
The already fascinating package is then topped with a very beautiful bow: Brigitte Bardot.
This review of Contempt (1963) was written by Zane U on 16 Aug 2010.
Contempt has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
