TV Times

TV Times

‘Breathless’: Godard’s the New Wave
‘Breathless’ was the English language title given to the French film À bout de souffle, directed by Jean-Luc Godard and released in 1960, becoming one of the best-known films of the French New Wave.

It revolves round Michel, a young thug who romantically models himself after Humphrey Bogart. While driving a stolen car, Michel shoots a policeman who follows him onto a country road. Penniless and on the run from the police, he turns to his American girlfriend Patricia, a student and aspiring journalist. The ambiguous Patricia agrees to hide him and the two spend their time evading the police, making love and stealing cars to raise money for a trip to Italy. As the police net tightens, Michel’s bravado and desperation increase...

This film discusses the ethos of the French New Wave. It clearly shows the “quick fix” solution that youth give to life. A sincere word of appreciation to the French Embassy and SLTTI (which joined the programme) for making this opportunity available for the film lovers.

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