Tuesday, June 3, 2008

Richard Brody's Godard Bio "Everything is Cinema"

2nd\NE Quadrant The Approval Matrix

Publishers Weekly: Comprehensive and fascinating, this critical biography of one of the leading filmmakers of the French New Wave, Jean-Luc Godard, by New Yorker editor and film critic [Richard] Brody offers the significant events and achievements of the cinematic innovator who combined an eye-opening concoction of art, politics, music, personal values and social mores.

The author reveals an isolated yet driven creative genius who rises from writing articles for the pioneering Cahiers du Cinémamagazine with Truffaut, Rivette and Rohmer to soaring early successes with his films Breathless, Contempt, Masculine Feminine, A Married Woman to the later controversial gems, First Name: Carmen, Hail Mary and Detective.

Godard, according to Brody, compares in critical importance to Picasso in his artistry, as the director's puzzling complexity is revealed through scores of interviews with family, colleagues and crew. Throughout the book, the key personal elements of Godard's chaotic love life provide added spark. This is a completely enjoyable and revealing account of an enigmatic director whose singular creativity will not allow him to make commercial compromises. (May) -- B&N

Jean-Luc Godard was born on December 3, 1930. He is a French and Swiss filmmaker and one of the founding members of the Nouvelle Vague, or "French New Wave".

Many of Godard's films challenged the conventions of Hollywood cinema, and he was often considered the most extreme New Wave filmmaker. His films often expressed his political ideologies as well as his knowledge of film history. In addition, Godard's films often cited existential and Marxist philosophy. -- Wikipedia

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Great information! I’ve been looking for something like this for a while now. Thanks!