Breathless

Breathless, known as "À bout de souffle" in its native French, is a ground-breaking and influential film which premiered in 1960. Directed by Jean-Luc Godard, it starred Jean-Paul Belmondo and Jean Seberg among a host of other seasoned actors. A seminal work in the French New Wave cinema movement, it signified a breaking away from classical cinematic conventions, creating an artistic style that was fresh, bold, and innovative.

The story is centered around Michel Poiccard, a reckless and cool-headed crook portrayed by Jean-Paul Belmondo. He bears traits of a classic antihero; possessing a certain charm that makes audiences drawn to him despite his moral shortcomings. Michel is a fan of the iconic silver screen star Humphrey Bogart and the film subtly pays homage to Bogart’s distinctive style through Belmondo's enactment of Poiccard, who continuously mirrors and imitates him.

The film follows Michel's escapades through the streets of Paris, meticulously captured in black and white, as he steals cars, dodges police, and lives life on the run. The narrative is made even more interesting when he reunites with Patricia Franchini, a woman with who he had an affair in the past. Patricia, portrayed impressively by Jean Seberg, is an American newspaper vendor and aspiring journalist studying in Paris. Her chemistry with Michel is another high point of the film.

Their relationship forms the core of the movie. Over the course of the film, they engage in numerous existential conversations demonstrating an intellectual depth that sets this film apart from regular crime movies. The rawness these interactions bring to the platonic bond between these two characters, leaves the viewer yearning for more, despite the undercurrent of inevitable danger that persists.

The supporting role of Van Doude as a discerning interviewer provides a further enriching layer to the storyline. His thought-provoking interactions questioning the essence of life and love serve as an intellectual base for a film that effortlessly combines crime, romance, and philosophy.

One of the most exceptional aspects of Breathless is its visual aesthetic. The film pushes boundaries of conventional pattern with unique cinematography, proactively using handheld cameras and adopting a documentary-style approach to scenes. It flits between shots with a rhythmic spontaneity, employing innovative techniques like quick cuts, jump shots, and discontinuous editing. These stylistic choices help build momentum in the narrative, intensify emotions, and maintain a certain level of unpredictability.

The environment of Paris plays an essential role in the movie. The alleyways, cafes, and streets of the city become an active part of the storytelling, painting a vibrant backdrop to Michel’s exploits and Patricia’s dreamy-eyed ambitions. The city, captured in its casual, everyday life, becomes the canvas on which their audacious story is painted.

Moreover, the film’s soundscape is also noteworthy. Godard uses sound meticulously, reverberating the energy of the streets, the whispers in cafes, or the hum of car engines, creating an immersive experience that amplifies the portrayal of the characters and their surroundings.

The characters, their complex relations, unconventional editing, and the artistic vision of Godard, make Breathless a film that pushes boundaries of traditional cinema, requiring viewers to interact with the film beyond a superficial level.

The dialogues also deserve special mention. Their style flows naturally, aligning perfectly with the characters and situations. While they can often seem spontaneous and tangential, they become an important tool in shaping the characters’ identities and revealing their ambitions and fears.

Breathless, in its essence, is a film that challenges and redefines cinema. It relies heavily on a strong character study and the intimate moments between Michel and Patricia provide the backbone of the narrative. Despite housing a crime saga, at its heart, it remains a quirky love story brilliantly camouflaged amidst the philosophical interplays and Parisian street ambiance.

With Breathless, Jean-Luc Godard contributed to changing the landscape of cinema, and watching the movie, you realize why. Engaging, original, and revolutionary, Breathless remains a timeless, audaciously stylish crime film that skilfully walks the tightrope between rebellion and romance, reality and imagination, and life and art.