Hunting the Northern Godard [La Chasse au Godard d'Abbittibbi]

"Hunting the Northern Godard [La Chasse au Godard d'Abbittibbi]" is a uniquely conceptual and intellectually engaging film. Directed by Éric Morin and hailing from Canada, the film was released in 2013. French with English subtitles, it's a drama with elements of mystery and surrealism, blending fiction with documentary-essence to narrate a virtually unexplored facet of cinema history.

The movie chronicles the fictional pursuit of renowned but elusive French director Jean-Luc Godard who is rumored to have disappeared in the remote Canadian region of Abitibi in the late 1960s. According to this urban legend, leaving the glamour of the French New Wave behind, Godard had taken refuge in this secluded region to reinvent himself and his art form in peace. In a metaphorical sense, the film "hunts" for Godard, offering an affectionate wink to cinephiles and Godard's fans.

"Hunting the Northern Godard" operates on several thematic levels and requires active engagement from the audience to untangle its esoteric narrative threads. Through the lens of this fictional story, Morin delves into the representation of cultural and artistic revolution set against the backdrop of the notorious 'October Crisis' in Quebec.

The film opens with a group of friends who hear about Godard's disappearance into the wilderness of Abitibi during a radio broadcast. Intrigued and inspired by the idea of this famed director living as a hermit in their hometown, they decide to embark on a quest to find him. They believe that finding Godard could inspire a revolutionary cultural movement and validate Abitibi's importance in the art world.

Told with a sense of wry humor and permeated by ethereal music, the film utilizes a predominantly grey and cold palette, which serves as a visual interpretation of the isolation, desolation, and distinctive rustic beauty of Northern Quebec. The soulful cinematography is profound enough to retain the audience's attention and stimulates their senses.

There’s no conventional plot; instead, the movie collection of episodic sequences marked by title cards. All aspects come together to build an elusive narrative, where Godard’s ideology on cinema takes the forefront instead of his physical presence. The recurring motifs, metaphors, and references to Godard's work woven meticulously into the narrative fabric pay tribute to Godard's cinematic legacy.

At its core, "Hunting the Northern Godard" prompts viewers to ponder deeper philosophical questions about cinema and filmmaking and how they transcend mere entertainment into realms of identity, belief, and change. It's a profound meditation on the reach and impact of cinema, the artistic journey, and the ever-evolving dynamics of pop culture and urban mythology.

The performances are raw and authentic, reflecting the spirit of independence and idealism that characterized the era. The actors, many amateur or less-known faces, bring a refreshing authenticity to their roles, fitting the film's unconventional approach. And though the film might have Godard's name in the title, the ensemble cast of Quebec natives takes the center stage, adding layers of regional flavor to this unusual exploration of cinema history.

One of the intriguing aspects of "Hunting the Northern Godard" is the director's decision to blur the line between fiction and reality. The documentary-style narrative and use of real-life footage from the era transport viewers into the heart of the story, as if they're witnessing these events firsthand. This mockumentary style allows the film to delve deeper into the messy, complex, and wonderfully bizarre world of cinema and its onto-philosophical implications.

"Hunting the Northern Godard" is a cerebral and imaginative tribute not just to its titular character but to the art of filmmaking and cinema itself. It's a film that speaks to the power of mythology, the impact of celebrity culture and the role of art in shaping our worldview.

This cinematic journey might appeal to those with an interest in Godard's work, French New Wave cinema, or film history in general. With its esoteric script and idiosyncratic storytelling approach, it enriches the viewers' perception of art and its bearings on reality, eventually rendering the audience as hunters themselves within the labyrinth of filmic interpretation.

In summary, "Hunting the Northern Godard [La Chasse au Godard d'Abbittibbi]" is a highly conceptual and thought-provoking film, weaving a fascinating tale of regional drift, the romance of revolution and the potent power of cinema itself.