JEAN-LUC GODARD

Bil’s rating (out of 5):  BBBBB

Original title:  A Bout De Souffle

France, 1960.  Les Films Impéria, Les Productions Georges de Beauregard, Societe Nouvelle de Cinematographie.  Story by Francois Truffaut, Screenplay by Jean-Luc Godard.  Cinematography by Raoul Coutard.  Produced by Georges de Beauregard.  Music by Martial Solal.  Production Design by Clement Hurel.  Film Editing by Cecile Decugis.

Jean-Luc Godard captured the world’s attention with this stunning New Wave masterpiece, featuring a level of energy and excitement that he would rarely recoup in his career.

Jean-Paul Belmondo and ex-patriate American actress Jean Seberg became ageless icons playing a small-time grifter and a newspaper seller, respectively, who become friends on the streets of Paris and trail around together in a series of accidental adventures.

The black-and-white photography is still crisp and evocative, the dialogue and camera angles still exciting and new. Do not pass up the opportunity to watch this pioneering film by a master director.

The Criterion Collection:  #408

Berlin Film Festival Award: Best Director (Jean-Luc Godard)