Review of Contempt (1963) by Rod A — 23 Nov 2008
Like Joyce, Goddard sets a modern tale upon an ancient one. In addition to paralleling the Odessey, Goddard references film-makers he admires. His facility with playing with time, memory, and changing the audience's perceptions of what a character is thinking is breathtaking.
I don't know if he was the first to use these innovations, but Goddard employs such striking devices which enhance the telling of this ancient and modern epic. Fellini's 8 1/2 was releassed around the same time and it is a similar framework of introspection.
The feel of both directors is quite different. Goddard seems more dark and nihilistic wheras Fellini seems more playfully distraught. I'm not saying one is better than the other, it's that I now have a better understanding of both of their unique voices.
This review of Contempt (1963) was written by Rod A on 23 Nov 2008.
Contempt has generally received very positive reviews.
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