The Bottom Line
Pros
- Landmark French New Wave movie that appears on most lists of great films
- Movie is fast-paced, witty, lushly romantic, and still feels fresh
- Film features memorable naturalistic performances by Jean-Paul Belmondo and Jean Seberg
Cons
- Some may not like movie's long, rambling conversations
- English subtitles sometimes fail to properly capture French dialogue
- Classic movie deserves more DVD bonus materials and a more scholarly audio commentary track
Description
- DVD containing French-language classic "Breathless" (1960)
- Influential movie directed by Jean-Luc Godard
- Film ranks 15th on 2002 "Sight & Sound" critics' list of greatest movies
- DVD contains audio commentary by film critic David Sterritt
- Excellent picture (full-screen 1.33:1, black-and-white) and good sound quality
- MPAA Rating: Not rated
- Feature run time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- DVD release date: November 20, 2001
Guide Review - Breathless DVD Review
"So I'll get the money. I'll ask Patricia yes or no. And then … Milano, Genova, Roma!" says Michel (Jean-Paul Belmondo) as he speeds towards Paris in a stolen car. But it turns out he has to put his plans to go to Italy on hold for a few days while he gets the money. During that time he pursues a romantic relationship with Patricia (Jean Seberg), and I see their story of doomed love as being at the heart of Jean-Luc Godard's "Breathless."
"Breathless" is a landmark French New Wave film and one of the most influential movies in cinema history. It appears in most greatest-films lists and was ranked 15th in the 2002 "Sight & Sound" Critics' Poll. I find it one of the most entertaining of the great movies because it is fast-paced, witty, and above all romantic.
I think "Breathless" still looks fresh to 21st-century audiences. The sheer genius of its exuberant filmmaking technique is as vibrant and modern as anything being done today. Also, the societal issues explored are still relevant because times may change, but human nature remains the same.
The "Breathless" DVD has only one bonus material of any consequence, a feature-length audio commentary by David Sterritt. I would describe his presentation as being like one of those enthusiastic, informal lectures I would expect to hear in a college classroom, whereas in a DVD commentary for a classic film I prefer a more scholarly approach. Still, he makes quite a few worthwhile points.
