The Body in Jean-Luc Godard's New Wave Films

This book explores the representation of the body in French New Wave films, focusing on Jean-Luc Godard's films. It examines the interrelation between bodies, books, and bathrooms and aims to destabilize the myth of male exceptionalism and denaturalize the gender dynamic. It will appeal to scholars in French and film studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 82 pages
Publication date: 27 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This original study delves into the portrayal of the body in French New Wave films, focusing on the works of Jean-Luc Godard, widely regarded as the central figure of this cinematic movement. By examining a selection of films, including "À bout de souffle," "Une femme est une femme," "Le Mépris," and "Alphaville," alongside discussions of some lesser-known French New Wave films, the book explores the intricate relationship between bodies, books, and bathrooms that these cinematic spaces facilitate. Through this analysis, the book aims to challenge the prevalent myth of male exceptionalism within the French New Wave and deconstruct the traditional gender dynamic at its core. It reveals that the women who constitute a vital part of this film movement are not textually confined by Godard's authorial presence. Instead, their corporeality disrupts any purported authorial and national ownership of their bodies.

Given the enduring popularity and scholarly significance of the French New Wave and Jean-Luc Godard, "The Body in Jean-Luc Godards New Wave Films" will appeal to scholars and students in the fields of French Studies and Film Studies. It offers valuable insights into the representation of the body in these films and its broader cultural implications. The book will be of interest to undergraduate and postgraduate students alike, providing a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complexities of the French New Wave and its impact on cinema.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032232034