This written response is based on your viewing and interpreting the content and style of the film Breathless [À bout de soufflé] (1960) by director Jean-Luc Godard

Link to watch film on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RkH3V_MAs8

Questions to answer (Pick 3 of the 4 questions below to answer. Answer all 3 questions you pick. State the questions you are answering.):

1. In what ways does the plot of Breathless differ from Classic Hollywood narrative style?  Select two specific scenes to describe and explain in relation to the narrative story.  Discuss specific ways the screenwriters reject the Classic Hollywood narrative style in these scenes. [Note the timestamp of the scenes in your answer.]
2. Give an analysis of the two main characters in the film:  Michel and Patricia.  What is each character like?  Describe details of their physical characteristics, actions, gestures, dialogue, and costumes.  How do Michel and Patricia compare to the typical goal-oriented characters of Classic Hollywood films?  What is your overall assessment of the characters as they are depicted in the film?
3. Discuss Godard’s use of cinematography in one sequence.  Describe the camera movement, framing of shots, camera angles and editing of the shots in that sequence.  Are there aspects of his cinematography that appear innovative or non-traditional in that sequence?  Explain how the cinematography relates to the narrative and/or how it established a mood for this scene.  [Note the timestamp of the sequence in your answer.]
4. Discuss one overall message or an ideology that you understand from Godard’s film.  State this message clearly and then discuss how the film presents this message using specific examples.  (For example, you might discuss a particular message that the film communicates about one of the following subjects:  social class, personal relationships, social behavior, gender, nationality.)  Was the film effective in presenting this message?  Why or why not?  Back up your answer with specific details from the film:  narrative action, dialogue, characters, mise-en-scène elements.

Guidelines on completing your work:

• This is not an essay , but you should answer in full paragraphs, 1-2 paragraphs per question.  
  • Your assignment should be at least 800 to 1000 words.  
• Please state the questions you are answering. 
• Be sure to proofread carefully for spelling and grammar errors.