Colorful Radicals: Jean-Luc Godard's Week-End
Violent car crashes, murder plots, infidelity, fashion and radicals: Jean-Luc Godard's Week-End.
Jean Yanne and Mireille Darc
Set largely on the French countryside, Jean-Luc Godard's Week-End is an experimental and challenging work that questions the seemingly senseless nature of modern life. The film follows a philandering middle-class couple as they head to the countryside to help an ailing family member meet his impending demise. Why? They wanted to expedite the inheritance process. Their adventure turns into more than they bargained for as they encounter a series of bloody car accidents, violent revolutionaries and historical reenactments that offer meditations on class struggle. A black comedy at its core, Week-End is one of Godard's noteworthy features.
Juliet Berto as the Radical
Fashion wise, the film features an impressive array of 1960's clothing. The exquisite styling offers a wealth of ideas as the sunglasses, dresses, skirts, shoes and haircuts are timeless.
Released in 1967, Week-End stars Mireille Darc, Jean Yanne, Jean-Pierre Kalfon, Yves Afons and Juliet Berto.
Color Block: Made in U.S.A.
Paris, Atlantic City, shoe slapping, gangsters, and vibrant colors: Jean-Luc Godard goes Stateside with Made in U.S.A.
A lesser-known (in the U.S., ironically) entry in Jean-Luc Godard's legendary filmography, Made in U.S.A. features Anna Karina in her last performance for the iconic director. Due to legal issues, the film is rarely screened in the States, but the Criterion Collection offers a beautifully-restored print that gives the feature new life.
Plot wise, Made in U.S.A. is a near-future noir about a woman traveling from Paris to Atlantic City to find the men who murdered her boyfriend. Gangsters, neon signs, philosophical discussions, shoe slapping, and a challenging narrative abound in this intriguing film that often leaves viewers scratching their heads.
Despite the demanding plot, Made in U.S.A.'s stunning visuals are a feast for the senses. The legendary director's eye for detail is on display throughout, as the characters are dressed in vivid 1960's fashions that beautifully complement the color-drenched cinematography. From color blocking, bold patterns, and trench coats, to fedoras, smokey eyes, and gradient-tint glasses, Made in U.S.A. offers a range of style ideas for fashion lovers.
Released in 1966. Starring Anna Karina and Jean-Pierre Léaud.