A while back I bought a poster of the Jean-Luc Goddard film Breathless for my apartment, because I liked the 60s style lettering and bright colors (red and yellow). So I felt the need to see this film and bought it while on vacation in Seattle. Goddard is credited with being one of the French New Wave forerunners that was so influential in modern film. Some reviews of Kong Kar-Wai’s Chunking Express describe it being influenced by Goddard. I can see the influence in the focus on atmosphere and characterizations over plot and narrative. The action in both films is limited and there are extended scenes that slowly reveal the essence of the characters in the respective films. There are long stretches where Jean Paul Belmondo and Jean Seberg just hang out in an apartment and interact, a sort of real life equivalent. I have to admit both actors are charismatic in their respective portrayals of the petty thief/criminal and innocent American abroad. It was a bit long , but still compelling to watch. The commentary by the film critic David Sterritt was educational and informative as well, however there aren’t many extra features on this DVD version of the film-it begs a Criterion Collection makeover.
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