This paper discusses that “A Bout de Souffle” (“Breathless”), a romantic thriller directed by Jean-Luc Godard in 1960, is a treasure of its times.
This paper explains that “A Bout de Souffle” (“Breathless”) was made under the influence of the Nouvelle Vague movement in France, which desired to break free of conventions in film making and highlight the importance of personal expression. The author points out that “A Bout de Souffle” is remembered for its slick direction and for its symbolization of freedom and individuality. The author explains that the film is about a generation, which had lost interest in the ordinary life, or life as they saw it, and for this reason, they changed the way it appeared.
“Story-wise the movie is simple. The plot is fast and exciting absolutely perfect for the audience of 1960s. A guy Michel, played by Jean-Paul Belmondo, steals a car and dashes off to Paris to be with his girlfriend Patricia (Jean Seberg). On his way, he kills a cop who tries to stops him. However, Michel lacks remorse and is probably proud of his actions being a great Bogart fan. He wants to go to Italy and convinces her girlfriend to come along. But since Patricia is not willing to be a part of the adventure, she double-crosses him, which leads to his death in the last scene. The movie may have an ordinary Americanized storyline involving a gangster, a less than perfect girlfriend and few cops, but it is priceless where camerawork, direction and depiction through symbolism are concerned.”