365 Days. 365 Films.

I actually watched this film the other day but thought it would make a good review because, if you haven’t seen it before, you probably should. It was my first viewing of this French New Wave movie and it was pretty much as expected – weird. The plot is confused but I’m fairly sure it’s about a couple having a rather bizarre weekend and in true Godard form, it’s a postmodernist’s wet dream.

There are certain scenes which don’t seem relevant, including a scene involving a long discussion of what seems like lesbian rape, turning into a discussion of a threesome which was wholly enjoyed. It  seems to go on forever, and with the woman involved seeming upset and distraught the shocking element comes when the discussion is waved off and then the experience is never spoken of again. The ending of the film is also shocking with some unflinching cinematography showing animals getting slaughtered – which doesn’t ruin the ending for you, because it’s hardly conclusive.

The main thing I want to say about this film is that I do think it’s a good film, but if you’re not the type of person to watch ‘artsy’ films then you won’t really enjoy this film. Similarly you won’t enjoy it if you bore easily as the film involves a ten minute tracking shot of traffic… Again, you won’t enjoy this film if you don’t understand/enjoy postmodernism, surrealism or symbolism in films. I study Film at university and this film gave me a headache, but it’s a very intellectual film which will open your mind up to new possibilities and visual styles in cinema.