French Chicks pt. 1

Anna Karina ('61 to '65)



Une Femme est Une Femme '61

My favorite Godard... my favorite Karina. This was only her second film and she is as cool as a cucumber. In fact, the whole movie simple follows her around as she does the cutest, coolest things. It's a musical of sorts. It's jumbled up and the sound editing is ridiculous. Karina looks spectacular! The color pallet is as strict as I've ever seen it in a film. Godard would continue to do this type of color play throughout the 60s. Every girl who espires to be cool needs to watch this film first.

Vivre sa vie '62

Translated: To Live Her Life. It came out in the States as My Life To Live. It's about a woman who leaves her husband and child to become and actress, fails and turns to prostitution. It's interesting, it keeps your interest.

Bande a' part '64

This is Godard's 2nd masterpiece beside Breathless. The title is referring to a group of kids who don't fit. A "Band" of "Outsiders". It's about a College or high school girl who gets picked up by these two guys. They go out and do stuff all day. They try to rob her house so they can leave town. It's a silly film from the get-to. It doesn't take itself too seriously, and it's a lot of fun. I particularly like the 5 minute dance sequence in the middle.

Alphaville '65

Alphaville is a badass noir. Very very cool. (someone tell me what font that is in the trailer...it's great)

Pierrot Le Fou '65

The Crazy Parrot is a bazaar film. It's Godard's version of Bonnie and Clyde. He was handed the script to Bonnie and Clyde and turned it down. He didn't want to get sucked into the Hollywood machine, so he made his own version with his 2 favorite actors. It's very cool. About every 5 minutes, something ridicules happens.


She was in her early 20's for all 5. This time period was the peak of the French New Wave. I consider her the queen of the movement. Karina met Godard in '60. They got married in '61 during the shooting of Une Femme est Une Femme. She was known to be Godard's great muse. Their marriage and working relationship lasted from '61 to '65. This would be Karina's and Godard's greatest artistic period, and the period they would always be known for. They are both still alive.