A Woman is a Woman

A Woman is a Woman
(1961) [Trailer]
Director: Jean-Luc Godard (IMDB)

Strippers need love too. They're people just like you and me. They bleed when they are cut, they cry when they are stung, they cough when they are sick. The plight of the stripper is an age old tale and in this next film, Jean-Luc Godard explores the untold story of this seedy industry. Not really, I just thought that sounded cool.

Angela is a stripper in Paris who is dying to have a baby. Problem is Emile, her boyfriend, does not. She is presented with the option of sleeping with Alfred, Emile's BFF. She's a stripper, what do you think she does?

This film is really cool. It's definitely ahead of it's time, and the style and subject matter are pretty out there for the early 6o's. Jean-Luc's direction is awesome. His use of bold colors, quick cuts, and abrupt starting/stopping of the score make for a very unique film. It's was interesting how many times he took the characters out of the film, and had them interact directly with the audience with little winks and nods. There's also ton's of cool ideas and images that reoccur in the film. I like how there's always a couple making out at the entrance to their apartment, or whenever Angela and Emile are in bed arguing, when they turn the lights off then back on again, Angela is on the other side of the bed sitting up. I loved this and would recommend it or Breathless as a good starting point for Godard. It's available on Netflix Instant, if you have it, go HERE!