Jean-Luc Godard has been at the forefront of cinematic innovation for more than half a century, and today is widely regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers of all time. As such, the news of his being the subject of a new biopic by Michel Hazanavicius provoked a sense of trepidation amongst cinephiles everywhere (including Godard himself).
After winning the Best Director Oscar in 2012 for The Artist, Hazanavicius went on to direct the 2014 drama The Search, which was not well received by critics. Redoubtable is based on the memoirs of Anne Wiazemsky (Godard’s wife) and opens in Paris circa 1967, with Godard commencing shooting on La Chinoise, a film that marked a turning point in his career.
Composed of a single scene, this teaser sees Louis Garrel as Godard, marching alongside Anne Wiazemsk (Stacy Martin) and filmmaker Michel Cournot in a street protest. Godard introduces Cournot to a friend, informing him that his new film is heading to Cannes. “Who cares about Cannes? Only a fool would go this year, with all that’s going on now,” the friend replies.
A comedic ode to the current state of political affairs in France, and somewhat ironic given that Redoubtable has been selected to play in competition at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.
Published 4 May 2017
This early work from the French New Wave icon is a must-watch for cinephiles.
Yorgos Lanthimos, Bong Joon-ho and Sofia Coppola all have films in the main competition.
By Matt Thrift
The director has been producing casual masterpieces since 1964.
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