Vivre Sa Vie (DVD)

Vivre Sa Vie is an early Jean-Luc Godard film which received critical acclaim when it was released in 1962. It was part of the New Wave genre of the period and although not exactly the masterpiece considered by some, it does possess a refreshing originality that has clearly stood the test of time. When renting this film I was a little weary as what to expect as I find some of Godard's later films a little tiresome and dull, but Vivre Sa Vie is a far more accessible work. This is a review about the film only as unfortunately there were no extras on the copy of my rented DVD. The story is quite simple and portrays the gradual decline into disrepute and despair ...  Read the complete review

Godard's second major film was rapturously received by critics on its release in 1962, but since then it has been pretty much ignored in comparison with 'A Bout de Souffle', 'Le Mepris', 'Pierrot le Fou', 'Alphaville' and 'Weekend'. This is a shame, as this film is easily on a par with those other works. Introducing his wife, Anna Karina, in the starring rôle, Godard embarks on an examination of prostitution and consumer culture, two themes which still interest him today. Nana works in a record shop, but eventually turns to prostitution in order to be able to keep up with the demands of a modern consumer lifestyle as dictated by advertising. Again ...  Read the complete review

Note: this is a University essay I wrote in 2008 entitled "The function of mise-en-scène in characterisation, with specific reference to the alienation of Nana in Godard's Vivre sa vie". ~~~ This research project will seek to investigate the use of mise-en-scene (that is, how filmic components are constructed within the film frame) in Jean-Luc Godard's film Vivre sa vie (1962). The project will consider the following questions, drawing upon four critical sources: a) How is lighting an important component of the film's mise-en-scène in portraying the character of Nana as alienated? b) How does performance operate in ...  Read the complete review