The American Cinematheque will have the exclusive Los Angeles theatrical engagement of Jean-Luc Godard's latest film, The Image Book. The film will screen at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica February 15 through the 21st.
Although the legendary Jean-Luc Godard is well into his 90s, his influential, iconoclastic legacy continues to grow. As provocative as ever, The Image Book is another extraordinary addition to the French master's vast filmography (the man has 127 projects to his name!). The Image Book combines a collection of images representing the history of the movies, resulting in a commentary on the state of the contemporary world. Winner of the first Special Palme d'Or to be awarded in the history of the Cannes Film Festival, The Image Book is presented in French with English subtitles.
As usual, Godard doesn't use professional actors, nor the structure of a traditional narrative. Instead, the master of the "French New Wave" uses clips from some of the greatest films in history. However, he transforms the recognizable with post manipulation, washing out the color, distressing the film stock, and more. Using his own voice for narration, Godard prompts metaphysical reflections on the legacy of cinema. He truly is amazingly and impressive with his extensive knowledge of cinema and its history. Like no one else, he effortlessly pieces together media with historical events. After all, it is the image that has obsessed Godard for his entire career. His enquiry of the meaning of images is undoubtedly one of the most devoted in the history of cinema.
Some of Jean-Luc Godard's other films will screen January 18 - 20 at the Aero Theatre. Titles include Godard's politically charged films from the 1960s and his forays into various genres such as Contempt, Le Petit Soldat, Anna Karina, Alphaville, Made in the U.S.A. and One Plus One, a 1968 film that alternates between revolutionary politics and a look at the Rolling Stones in the studio making "Sympathy for the Devil" as Godard looks on.
Tickets are $15 General, $13 Cinematheque Members (no vouchers accepted for this screening). Tickets are sold on Fandango.com or at the box office.