“Breathless” film review

The film Breathless by Jean-Luc Goadards is an influential work in the French New Wave movement. This cinematic revolution is characterized by its bold departure from “traditional” filmmaking techniques. This film follows Michel Poiccard, a small-time criminal on the run from the police after he steals a car and kills a police officer and his American love interest Patrica Franchini, who becomes entangled in his chaotic life. The film Breathless is celebrated not only for its narrative and characters but also for its innovative editing and sound design, which has significantly contributed to the success of the film. One of the most striking aspects of Breathless is the editing style that is used, which strayed away from the conventions of continuity editing that dominated Hollywood cinema at the time. Godard used a ton of jump cuts which is a technique where consecutive shots of the same subject are taken from slightly different angles or positions that create a jarring effect. This method disrupts the illusion of time and space, drawing attention to the constructed nature of the film. For example, in the iconic scene where Michel and Patricia drive through Paris, the rapid succession of jumps and cuts emphasizes Michel’s restless energy and the reality of his existence. These abrupt cuts reflect the unpredictable nature of the character’s lives, creating the film’s themes of existential angst and rebellion against societal norms. Not only did the editing help the film Breathless become better, but the distinctive sound design did. Godard eschewed traditional methods opting instead for a more experimental approach. He often used a variety of different techniques such as music, sound effects, and silence that create a unique auditory experience that complements his style. The jazz-influenced score by Martial Solal helps underscore many key movements, like when Michel desperately runs through the streets of Paris using the music technique it helps add an emotional resonance that heightened the tension. The use of sound effects like the constant hum of urban noise and the background sound effects often created the sense of chaos that was the character’s lives. Silence was strategically used during intimate scenes to draw the audience’s attention to the character’s emotions and the interaction between the two. The use of all these elements intertwined not only enhances the narrative but also helps underscore the film’s theme, because of breaking the traditional sound design Godard creates a film that audits experiences that are unique as the film is being narrated. The film “Breathless” remains a film of history in the world of cinema due to the revolutionary editing and sound designs. Godard’s innovative use of jump cuts and different sound elements challenged traditional narrative structures and he paved the way for new forms of cinematic expression. By not going by the film-making rules the film “Breathless” captured the essence of rebellion and experimentation that defined the French New Wave. This film’s lasting impact on both filmmakers and also the audience doesn’t show half of the impact this film had on the future of cinema.