#512: GODARD, Jean-Luc: Vivre Sa Vie (1962)

GODARD, Jean-Luc (France)
Vivre Sa Vie [1962]
Spine #512
Blu-ray


Vivre sa vie was a turning point for Jean-Luc Godard and remains one of his most dynamic films, combining brilliant visual design with a tragic character study. The lovely Anna Karina, Godard's greatest muse, plays Nana, a young Parisian who aspires to be an actress but instead ends up a prostitute, her downward spiral depicted in a series of discrete tableaux of daydreams and dances. Featuring some of Karina and Godard's most iconic moments — from her movie theater vigil with The Passion of Joan of Arc to her seductive pool-hall strut — Vivre sa vie is a landmark of the French New Wave that still surprises at every turn.

83 minutes
Black & White
Monaural
in French
1:33:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2010
Director/Writer



Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Forty-four page booklet featuring Godard’s original scenario, an essay by critic Michael Atkinson, interviews with Godard, and a reprint by critic Jean Collet on the film’s soundtrack.

Commentary

Featuring film scholar Adrian Martin.

Video interview

With film scholar Jean Narobini, conducted by historian Noél Simsolo.

Television interview

From 1962 with actress Karina.

Excerpts

From a 1961 French television exposé on prostitution.

Illustrated essay

On La Prostitution, the book that served as inspiration for the film.

Stills gallery

Godard’s original theatrical trailer


Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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