It’s kinda weird. I was thinking to myself that I hadn’t seen “Breathless” in years, then less than 12 hours later it is playing on Sundance Channel. “Breathless” is a hoot-and-a-half and certainly a good gateway drug for Godard and the films he’s influenced. Coming to it from a Hollywood-only perspective it may shock with its absence of plot; coming from it having reviewed much of Godard’s oevre over the last few years, I was stunned at just how much story was being flung in my face. The centerpiece, Belmondo and Seberg shmoozing in bed, still sings. They both still look great, their clothes are cool, their hats and sunglasses are cool, the things they say are cool, Paris looks cool and the music is just fabulous. Who doesn’t love this movie? It is, I will boldly say, one of the five most influential movies with regard to style ever made. Style not just in cinema but in all aspects of design. One ride on the L train ought to prove that to you.
