This film is so sexist
I just can't.
shareApparently not
share"apparently not"
XD
MovieChat Forums > À bout de souffle (1961) Discussion > This film is so sexist
Would you care to elaborate?
"One of these days, I just kick this piece of feces out the window!"
-Office Space tv edit
You just can't what? Do you have communication constipation?
.
Do you mean the treatment of Patricia? We still live in a sexist world but it was even more so then (late 1950s/early 1960s France and America). But Godard also portrays a young woman's freedom in this film--she sleeps with men, works, speaks her mind, is self-aware about the limitations she faces. This is one of the film's ironies. It can seem like a lot, but I urge you to sit through it if you can. It's worth it.
shareBut what if...?
-Goodnight, mother of six!
-Goodnight, father of two!
I'm struggling to figure out wether the film itself was sexist, or just the main character. Cause yeah, the main character was a massive misogynist. But wether that's meant to reflect the director's feelings, I have no idea.
shareI don't think it reflects Godard's feelings at all. His other films have women characters as leads, and in my opinion those characters have just as much depth as his male leads in other films. In this film the female lead had just as much depth. In "Breathless", Michel is by no means portrayed as a male who is superior to his female counterpart. I'm sure that Godard realized that Michel came off as arrogant and very egotistical, ignorant of his flaws and the inevitable punishment he was going to get. Patricia, on the other hand, is more level headed and aware of her position in life and her flaws, unlike Michel.
Also, to the OP, it's not that the film is sexist. Remember that the New Wave cinema in France attempted to show stories that were set in contemporary French society. If any sexism is present it's because it was a sign of the times in France.
Yeah I've started to realise that a bit, because you're right, that attitude isn't very prevalent in his other films.
Still not my favourite Godard film, though.
I'm struggling to figure out wether the film itself was sexist, or just the main character.It certainly wasn't the film.🐭 share
Well you clearly didn't get the film then. The film itself mocks all kinds of Hollywood stereotypes.
shareA Bout is an ode to feminism. Patricia loves her life in Paris. Michel threatens that life so she turns him in.
shareThat is interesting perspective.
She did talk about being left alone and also wanting to be independent. If it is feminism it is masked very well. She comes off very foolish and still dependent on a mans approval. Maybe conflicted, probably much more realistic....but what do I know.