Silent movies and foreign films always intimidate me, mainly because I’m a multi-tasker and am never quite sure if I can keep my eyes glued to the screen long enough to figure out what’s going on. But I must select some really good ones to give a chance, because it turns out, I usually love them! This week I spent a little one-on-one time (no multi-tasking, mobile devices, babies- NUTHIN) with a movie I’ve heard a lot about through the years- Godard’s 1960 Breathless. And I haven’t stopped thinking about it ever since!

You can watch Breathless instantly here!

On the surface, Breathless seems like a random romp with an impulsive young French kid and his American fling, but below the surface, there’s a lot more to discover! There’s a lot to learn about both Michel and Patricia in the two days that follow their characters, and as a viewer, your opinions of the characters are sure to change.

I’ve been enjoying reading articles about Breathless since I had questions about things that were lost in translation, was curious about Godard’s choppy filming style, and particularly wondered why all the people on the sidewalk turned to stare as Michel and Patricia walked by. Turns out Godard didn’t have a license to film on the streets of Paris, so the whole movie was made guerrilla style with wheelchairs instead of dollies, which naturally drew the curiosity of passersby.

My reaction to the film is still pretty framented, so forgive my scattered thoughts! I will say that at the beginning of Breathless, I despised Michel. He was immature, cavalier, thug-like, and didn’t treat women very well, to say the least. But somehow, maybe it’s just the way he looks at Patricia, I completely changed my feelings for him, and woah! He romanced me right along with Patricia. And let’s not forget about Patricia- she starts out as this flighty, sweet American girl, and then turns into someone as selfish and immature as Michel, making drastic decisions with little thought as to their consequences. Pretty heavy stuff, but I don’t want to give anything away. So you’ll just have to let me know what you think!

Is it film noir? Is Patricia a femme fatal? Is it just another self indulgent new wave film? You watch and decide for yourself! Whatever your opinion is, I’m sure you’ll be affected somehow by Breathless, and if you’re like me even a little bit, you won’t forget it any time soon!

You can watch Breathless instantly here!

Classic movies are always a fun little escape from reality, but how many of them offer an imaginative departure from reality, within another departure, within another? Paris When it Sizzles is a pretty silly film full of crazy adventures the two main characters dream up along the way.

Audrey Hepburn and William Holden team up again in this Richard Quine film, ten years after their successful chemistry in the movie Sabrina, and bring us an unexpected romantic comedy full of Hollywood inside jokes that any classic movie lover can appreciate.

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Oh, Darling. I first was transfixed by this stylish, quintessentially ’60s movie a few years ago, and had romanticized it in my memory ever since. These movie stills I captured certainly speak for the impeccable style of the movie- which can’t be rivaled, in my opinion. But when I rewatched Darling recently, I quickly remembered how achingly haunting the film actually is. Julie Christie is mesmerizing as a carefree media darling, Diana Scott, who charms her way to billboards and bedrooms, climbing the social ladder only to find life at the top rather lonely and hollow. Laurence Harvery and Dirk Bogarde play a couple of Diana Scott’s love interests, and are just as swoon-worthy as she is. Dirk’s smile…. just…. well, it’s just the cutest thing.

When Darling was first released, it stood amongst frolicking ’60s films which showcased free love and fame as a fun and modern lifestyle. This John Schlesinger movie showed the flip-side of the swinging London social scene, and tells a moral tale that is as timeless as Julie Christie herself. It will wrap you up in Diana Scott’s dramatic life, and will leave you with a bit of a heartache for her at the end.