Monday, November 9, 2009
Contemptuous
This film takes on myriad subjects, not the least of which is BB, her image, and "woman" more generally. In the crucial scene early in the film as JLG frames her nude body in the blue, white, and red of the French flag, to the overall manner of love and obsession that fills the film, JLG seems to take on so many subject that one could argue that the film finally falls apart to some degree. Hm.
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One of the many subjects explored in the film is the complexity of human relationships, more particularly how relationships can evolve from one of total obsession and admiration to one of estrangement. The camera itself works with this theme, not only portraying the eventual emotional distance of the characters, but also the ever-increasing physical distance between Paul and Camille.
ReplyDeleteIn the first scene of the film, as the camera crew comes closer, the camera turns and points towards the audience, as if reality itself were being filmed. This signifies the realistic story and themes expressed in the film. Directly after, the scene cuts to Paul and Camille framed together, showing the physical and emotional closeness at this point in their relationship. Later on in the film, the cinematography works to create distance between the two characters. In one particular scene, as Paul and Camille are having a discussion, Godard chooses to pan from one character to the other, rather than the more traditional (Classical Hollywood) style of shot reverse shot. By doing so, Godard’s style of filmmaking works in a more effective and story-driven manner, subtly providing visual hints to the audience and reinforcing important themes in the plot.
i found this film to be one of the most cinematically beautiful films that we have watched. Godards slow panning widescreen shot of france truly embrace the use of location shooting of the french new wave. the locations and colors become apart of the film just as important as the beauty of BB.
ReplyDeletethis film real is about the making of a film. the story of the Odyssey is used not only for a bases for the film being made but is reflected in the story of the couple. The film does a fantastic job of capturing a feeling that is hard to describe and even harder to convey, the feeling of falling out of love. the end of the love of the two is not pin pointed to one moment in particular but several along with separation in editing, framing, sound, wigs and as many things as Godard can control. in this fashion Godard successfully captures the feelings of falling out of love.