The only manuscript from Godard's masterpiece Out of breath comes under the hammer!

The only manuscript from Godard's masterpiece Out of breath comes under the hammer!

As part of an upcoming auction, the only known manuscript for iconic film "Out of breath" (original title: "à bout de souffle") is auctioned. According to the auction house, it is the most comprehensive script for the masterpiece of Jean-Luc Godard, which celebrated its premiere in 1960. Jean-Luc Godard, who died in 2022 at the age of 91, is one of the leading representatives of the Nouvelle Vague, a movement that revolutionized the film world at the end of the 1950s and established new narrative forms. Godard's late work method often included that he only wrote dialogues shortly before filming and thus foregoing classic script structures.

"Out of breath" with Jean Seberg and Jean-Paul Belmondo in the leading roles is considered a classic of the French cinema. The film is based on a rewritten script by François Truffaut, which is based on a newspaper report on a police murder. In the plot, the viewer follows the petty criminal Michel, who flees to Paris after shot a motorcycle policeman. On his escape, Michel finds shelter with the American journalist Patricia, who works and dreams in Paris as a newspaper seller to work as a freelance. The relationship between the two is characterized by constant police presence and increasing pressure, which ultimately culminates in Patricia's decision to reveal Michel to the police.

a masterpiece of the Nouvelle Vague

"Out of breath" shows numerous innovative cinematic means, including the use of the hand camera, natural lighting and the technique of Jump Cut. Godard wanted to capture life at the original locations in Paris. The film was shown in 1960 in the competition for the golden bear at the Berlinale and won the silver bear for the best director. In addition, the film received several awards, including the Prix Jean Vigo and the renowned Prix Méliès as the best film. Jean-Paul Belmondo was honored as the best actor for his representation with the Étoile de Cristal.

The influences and the importance of "outside of breath" extend over decades. The film was launched in 1983 in an American remake with Richard Gere and Valérie Kaprisky, but this did not achieve the cult status of the original. In addition, Guillaume Marbeck Godard himself embodies the upcoming remake "Nouvelle Vague".

The influence of Jean-Luc Godard

Jean-Luc Godard is not only considered a creator of "Out of breath", but was also a formative figure in the film "Nouvelle Vague" from 1990. This film was presented at the Cannes Film Festival and describes the complex relationship between its characters, which are allegorically for the film industry. Godard himself reports on a relationship constellation between the hitchhiker Lennox and the wealthy industrial elena, which reflects the dynamics of film history. Here too, Godard shows his ability to interweave film and literature, which further increases the depth of his works.

In the upcoming auction, the manuscript from the collection of the film producer Georges de Beauregard is auctioned, which was significantly involved in the development of "out of breath". This unique document offers a fascinating insight into the creative process of Godard and the beginnings of a film that laid the foundation stones for the Nouvelle Vague and the modern cinema.