Catch Your Breath

Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless is one of the most celebrated and notorious films in cinematic history. Violent, stylish and edgy, it set the stage for countless films to come, alarming critics and energizing audiences along the way with its blend of technical innovation and a timeless story about a gun, a...

By Cory Casciato

September 30, 2010

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Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless is one of the most celebrated and notorious films in cinematic history. Violent, stylish and edgy, it set the stage for countless films to come, alarming critics and energizing audiences along the way with its blend of technical innovation and a timeless story about a gun, a girl, a thief and a whole series of unfortunate events.

“In my mind, Breathless is the Pulp Fiction of 1960. Tarantino was so hugely influenced by that film, and both films are made by people who loved watching films. They’re sort of kindred spirits,” says Pablo Kjolseth, director of the International Film Series at the University of Colorado. “Bottom line, Breathless is the epitome of fun nihilism. It was slammed by a lot of critics who thought it was destructive film because of that, but I think anyone who loves films can see that it actually is not just that. There’s a lot more going on there. It’s about the love of cinema, and it’s very playful.”

There’s a newly restored print, so you’ll be able to see it in all its pristine glory for this fiftieth-anniversary screening. Catch it tonight at 7 and 9 p.m. in Muenzinger Auditorium on the CU campus; tickets are $6. For more info, visit or call 303-492-1531.
Wed., Oct. 6, 7 & 9 p.m., 2010

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