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It has often been said that the filmmakers of the French New Wave were inspired by Hollywood movies – even as their own films systematically broke from Hollywood’s traditions and “rules”. How does Jean-Luc Godard’s FNW classic, BREATHLESS, mimic Hollywood conventions – and how does it break them? Most importantly – WHY do you think Godard breaks these conventions? What is this film about? What is it trying to say? And why do you think that the filmmakers who came after him (many of them American!) were so inspired by this film? Please make sure to reference the Bordwell article in your response – and make sure to discuss at least one specific scene from the film.

MOVIE- breathless 1960