Breathless is a French 1960 crime drama movie directed by Jean-Luc Godard
presented on Blu-ray.
Jean-Luc Godard's stunning cinematic debut Breathless ( À bout de
souffle…) not only sparked the beginning of the French new wave, but is
considered by many as one of the most influential films of all time.Sexy and
unrestrained, the story unfolds in 1960s Paris. A small time crook, Michel
Poiccard (Jean-Paul Belmondo) is chased by authorities after stealing a car.
Caught up in the moment he shoots one of them dead before fleeing the scene. On
the lam, he finds an American girlfriend and convinces her to travel to Italy
with him and start a new life, but the police are never far behind.Also starring
Jean Seberg and based on an original story by François Truffaut, featuring
groundbreaking black and white cinematography from Raoul Coutard and technical
input from Claude Chabrol, Breathless is a cinematic classic, rich with texture
and style. Godard's creation captures a dynamic slice of French life – where
crime and romance collide in a most uncompromising fashion.
Special Features
- Tempo (1965): Jean-Luc Godard (16 mins) Archive footage of Mike Hodges'
interview with Jean-Luc Godard.
- Room 12, Hôtel de Suède (80 mins) – a series of interviews with Claude
Chabrol, Raoul Coutard and Jean-Paul Belmondo examining the origins of
Breathless.
- Jean-Luc According To Luc (7 mins) – A homage to Godard by long-term
friend Luc Moullet.
- Original Theatrical Trailer (in french)
Awards
- Won Best Film (French Syndicate of Cinema Critics 1961)
- Won Feature Film (Prix Jean Vigo 1960)
- Won Best Director (Berlin International Film Festival 1960)
- Nominated Best Foreign Actress Jean Seberg (BAFTA Awards 1962)
- Two other nominations
Breathless Movie Reviews
“There is simply no other film which demonstrates so perfectly what it
feels like to be young and in love.” Guardian
“Almost every frame looks smoky and luscious enough to be a nation to
which lovers and young dreamers might hope one day to emigrate. It's a film
that will never wither, always inspire.” Daily Telegraph
“As his career progressed, Godard's films became more mature and
accomplished, but rarely, if ever, did they pack such an immediate, visceral
punch.” Film 4
“If you've never seen Breathless, see it now – but don't expect an
easy ride. If you haven't seen it for ages, see it again and be surprised at the
fresh reactions it provokes.” Time Out
“Breathless jumps to its own rhythm and pokes holes in its idols even
as it worships them.” Dallas Morning News
“Even 50 years later, it's easy feel how vivid a game-changer
Breathless must have been when it arrived.” Denver Post
“It retains its brilliance both as entertainment and as a
groundbreaking work of art.” Oregonian
Subtitled