Jean-Luc Godard
Jean-Luc Godard: A Pioneering Filmmaker and Visionary
#### Full Name and Common Aliases
Jean-Luc Godard is one of the most influential filmmakers of the 20th century, known professionally as Jean-Luc Godard. He was born on December 3, 1930, in Paris, France.
#### Birth and Death Dates
Godard passed away on September 13, 2022, at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire filmmakers and artists worldwide.
#### Nationality and Profession(s)
French filmmaker, screenwriter, novelist, and editor
#### Early Life and Background
Growing up in Switzerland and France, Godard was exposed to various cultures and languages from an early age. His parents were both intellectuals who valued education and creativity. Godard's fascination with film began at a young age, influenced by the French New Wave movement of the 1960s. He attended the University of Paris, where he studied philosophy and history.
#### Major Accomplishments
Godard is credited with revolutionizing filmmaking through his innovative techniques, experimentation with narrative structures, and bold use of color and sound. Some of his most notable films include:
_Breathless_ (1960), a crime drama that marked the beginning of the French New Wave movement
_Vivre sa vie_ (1962), a poignant exploration of prostitution and alienation in post-war France
_Contempt_ (1963), a philosophical romance that critiques the film industry
#### Notable Works or Actions
Godard's influence extends beyond his films. He has also made significant contributions to literature, publishing several novels and essays on philosophy and politics.
#### Impact and Legacy
Godard's work has had a lasting impact on world cinema, inspiring generations of filmmakers to push boundaries and experiment with new forms of storytelling. His commitment to social justice and critique of capitalist values continues to resonate today.
#### Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
"The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and let it come in." (From an interview with _Le Figaro_, 1998)
"The cinema is a medium that allows us to communicate emotions, ideas, and experiences across cultures and time." (From his essay collection _Godard on Godard_)
As a visionary filmmaker, writer, and thinker, Jean-Luc Godard's work continues to captivate audiences worldwide. His commitment to innovation, social justice, and artistic expression has left an indelible mark on the world of cinema and beyond.
What Others Say About Him
"Godard is not just a great filmmaker; he's also a great thinker and writer." (Martin Scorsese)
* "Godard's influence can be seen in every aspect of modern filmmaking, from cinematography to editing." (Wim Wenders)
This biography provides an overview of Godard's life, work, and impact. His innovative spirit, commitment to social justice, and groundbreaking films have made him a legend in the world of cinema.
Quotes by Jean-Luc Godard
Jean-Luc Godard's insights on:
Through most of my career, I've made a decent living making movies no one wants to see.
One has to change one's life. Maybe this is easier for people who have nothing to do than for those who have something to do.
Clumsiness attempts to fix simplicity straight in the eye. It is not a mark of incompetence but of reticence.
Why did they go to Hollywood? Because they could get access to the American financial sector. The Jews were neither authorized to be bankers or doctors nor lawyers or professors. That's why they concentrated on something new: cinema.
The Rolling Stones are much more accomplished than Jefferson Airplane, who are more like tribal people. That is, they present something which exists: The music and the hippie.
We were for Mao, but when we saw the films he was making, they were bad. So we understood that there was necessarily something wrong with what he was saying.
Three-quarters of directors waste four hours on a shot that requires five minutes of actual directing. I prefer to have five minutes' work for the crew - and keep the three hours to myself for thought.
The idea is to make the script out of a political analysis and then to convey that - sometimes in poetry, sometimes science, sometimes all it takes is a film. The film itself is less and less spectacular because I think very strongly now the more spectacular you are, the more you are absorbed by the things you are trying to destroy.
When the Holocaust happened, I was 15 years old. My parents kept it a secret from me, despite belonging to the Red Cross. I only found out about it much later. Even today I still feel guilty, because I was an ignoramus between the age of 15 and 25. I am sorry I couldn't stand up for them.
The history of cinema appears to be easy to do, since it is, after all, made up of images; cinema appears to be the only medium where all one has to do is re-project these images so that one can see what has happened.