Godard’s Legacy, Beyond Breathless

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MOVIE REVIEW
Godard Cinema Trailer of the Film That Will Never Exist: ‘Phony Wars’
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2022 / 2023
Runtime: 1h 40m / 20m
Director(s): Cyril Leuthy / Jean-Luc Godard
Where To Watch: in select theaters December 15, 2023; find a theater near you here www.kinolorber.com

RAVING REVIEW: Jean-Luc Godard, an icon in the history of film, has left an everlasting imprint on the realm of cinema with his final work, TRAILER OF A FILM THAT WILL NEVER EXIST: PHONY WARS, along with Director Cyril Leuthy’s documentary GODARD CINEMA are set to hit screens in select theaters from December 15, and these pieces invite audiences into the creative sanctum of a filmmaker who pushed what it meant to be a filmmaker for years.

GODARD CINEMA, under the direction of Cyril Leuthy, is a fascinating foray into Godard’s storied career. Weaving together more than six decades of his filmography, this documentary unveils the multifaceted life of Godard, both in front of and behind the camera. From his transformative days in the French New Wave to later ventures, Leuthy’s narrative is engaging and revealing, offering an in-depth exploration of Godard’s personal trials, political endeavors, and the underlying philosophies driving his cinematic vision.

The true allure of this documentary lies in its all-encompassing approach. Melding interviews with snippets of Godard’s essential films, the film provides an immersive exploration of his influence on both the celluloid world and broader cultural landscapes. It narrates the evolution of Godard from a cinematic maverick to a visionary artist continually striving to reinvent film language. I’ve seen a few documentaries on Godard, and this is the one I connect with the most.

TRAILER OF A FILM THAT WILL NEVER EXIST: PHONY WARS, the final work from Godard, emerges as a daring and inventive visual tapestry. Rooted in the narrative of Charles Plisnier’s “Faux Passports,” this work is an interplay of visuals and sounds, intricately pieced together with paper collages. It is a vibrant testament to Godard’s unyielding commitment to shattering traditional storytelling paradigms and transforming unrealized ideas into captivating cinematic experiences. This is unlike anything I’ve seen before, and while I still don’t know that I fully understood it, it’s still inspiring to see his final work.

Fabrice Aragno, Godard’s longtime collaborator, offers insights into this final project. This short film is a synthesis of diverse film techniques and formats, reflecting the essence of Godard’s filmmaking journey and his matured artistic expression. Initially intended as a teaser for a broader project, it is now a potent symbol of Godard’s perpetual drive for film experimentation.

Together, GODARD CINEMA and TRAILER OF A FILM THAT WILL NEVER EXIST: PHONY WARS present an all-encompassing and moving portrayal of Godard. The documentary offers a deep dive into his life’s narrative, while the short film is a poignant goodbye from a filmmaker who relentlessly pursued innovation within the medium.

These screenings do more than celebrate Godard’s genius. They beckon viewers to immerse themselves in his profound influence on filmmaking and reflect on his lasting legacy. These films are reminders of the critical importance of pushing creative limits and the lasting impact of Godard’s contributions to the cinematic world.

GODARD CINEMA and TRAILER OF A FILM THAT WILL NEVER EXIST: PHONY WARS are an homage to a lifetime dedicated to the art of cinema. These works not only chart Godard’s journey from a revolutionary filmmaker to an artistic luminary but also reflect the complex, sometimes contentious, yet consistently innovative spirit of Jean-Luc Godard. As a tribute to a filmmaker who reshaped the rules of storytelling, these films leave an indelible mark on the tapestry of cinema.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]