Two or Three Things I Know About Her

Two or Three Things I Know About Her is a 1967 movie directed by one of the most influential figures in the French New Wave cinema, Jean-Luc Godard. The film stars Marina Vlady, Anny Duperey, and Roger Montsoret among others, with a crucial appearance by Godard himself who sometimes serves as the film's impassive narrator. While Yves Beneyton and Juliet Berto appear in other Godard films, they do not feature in this particular work.

An integrating blend of narrative and documentary elements that disregard conventional storytelling, Two or Three Things I Know About Her is an avant-garde representation of life in Paris during the mid-1960s. The film is often cited as one of the best displays of Godard's distinct cinematic style, marked by narrative disruption, vivid aesthetics, and an intellectual exploration of social-political themes.

Godard's enigmatic title casts a teasing ambiguity over the film. The phrase "Her" in the movie title is deemed to possess double meanings. It simultaneously refers to the main character Juliette Jeanson (played by Marina Vlady) and the city of Paris. Throughout the film, Godard endeavors to unravel the everyday truth of both these subjects, delving into the link between urban evolution and personal identities.

Marina Vlady, a Russian-French actress of renown, plays Juliette Jeanson, a seemingly ordinary housewife residing in the newly developed high-rise suburbs of Paris. Despite outward appearances, Juliette leads a dual life partaking in concomitant prostitution to sustain her bourgeois lifestyle amidst France's burgeoning consumer culture. Godard presents this dual lifestyle as a normative representation of life in a modern capitalist society, making profound social commentary.

Godard uses his documentary-style narrative to detail the draining monotony and capitalist pressure that informs Juliette's life. As much as it is about Juliette, the film is similarly about Paris, prominently focusing on its transition from an old French city into a modern metropolitan hub. Paris's landscapes, its high-rise buildings, huge billboards, littered streets, and bustling cafes, are featured as backdrops to the life stories being told. The film suggests an implicit critique of modern urbanization and its dehumanizing impact.

Staying true to Godard's style, Two or Three Things I Know About Her exhibits an inventive use of color and sound. The director utilizes a palette of vibrant primary colors juxtaposed with the stark concrete greyness of the urban environment. His non-linear narrative is occasionally interrupted by bold text, adding layers of meaning and creating a meta-cinematic experience. Similarly, the innovative sound design plays with silence and noise, contributing to the film's disjointed, yet deeply immersive atmosphere.

Featuring a distinct blend of sharp socio-political commentary, innovative cinematography, and existential musings, Two or Three Things I Know About Her serves as a mirror reflecting Godard's perspective on life in a capitalist society. The film skillfully interweaves a critique of consumer culture with the tormented introspections of individuals trapped within societal pressures. It's a classic example of Godard's radical dismantling of cinematic conventions, establishing him as an auteur of high repute. Notwithstanding its vibrant aesthetics and innovative narrative structure, the film essentially deconstructs the lives of average people in a rapidly changing society, making it a significant contribution to French New Wave cinema.

In a nutshell, Two or Three Things I Know About Her stands as a compelling cinematic exploration of personal identity and urban evolution. It's a thought-provoking testament to Godard's brilliance as a filmmaker with his bold experimentation and innovative storytelling, presenting a rich viewing experience for cinema lovers. The film is in French, but subtitles are available in multiple languages, making it accessible for a global audience. If you appreciate thought-provoking cinema that blurs the line between fiction and reality and dares to question societal norms, this unconventional work from Godard's filmography definitely deserves your consideration.