Breathless is timeless. It's sexy, energetic, unstructured and downright cool as fuck! A seminal film of the French New Wave, it was Jean-Luc Godard's debut feature. Back in 1960 (it's original release) it caused quite a stir and still continues to influence today. Distinguished by hand-held camera work, jump cuts, improvised dialogue, and the use of natural lighting and sound, the way it was shot was revolutionary.

The plot is simple. Michel Poiccard (Jean-Paul Belmondo) is a petty criminal wanted for shooting a police officer. Whilst attempting to collect some money for his escape to Italy, he tracks down former flame, American student Patricia Franchini (Jean Seberg).

As well as innovative techniques, it boasts an exquisite Paris backdrop, a sharp jazz score and has style in spades. The characters are iconic. Not only in the way they candidly exchange words about everything from art, literature, sex, music and even death (quite frankly I could listen to them converse all day), but in their appearance and presence.

Dressed in a shabby suit, hat and sunglasses, Jean-Paul Belmondo is the essence of cool. He moves effortlessly, constantly chewing on a cigarette and mimics his hero Humphrey Bogart. Jean Seberg's look is quintessentially Parisian. Combining key pieces such as stripes, cropped trousers, a chic mac and a perfect pixie haircut, she looks stunning,

particularly in the many close ups used. The iconic New York Herald Tribune t-shirt she wears whilst walking the Champs-Élysées is still a sought after item today. Rodarte have even created two limited edition tee's in honour of the film's 50th anniversary.

Under the supervision of Godard's cinematographer Raoul Coutard, Breathless has been restored and was re-released in cinemas on new 35mm print along with revised subtitles. The James Hyman Gallery in London is also exhibiting New Wave photographer Raymond Cauchetier's work.

Links
www.jameshymangallery.com