Thursday, February 6, 2014

439. Alphaville

Alphaville
1965
Directed by Jean-Luc Godard










I am actually a huge science fiction fan; there is something about such blatant cheesiness that is appealing to me.  I totally understand if this genre isn't for everyone which is a shame if you are attempting the 1001 journey since you have to sit through so many of those movies anyway.  Science fiction haters actually might find some redeeming qualities in it since so many elements from different genres are present here.

Alphaville is a futuristic society that has outlawed emotion, love, and any other form of free thought.  A Sam Spade-esque character named Caution vows to destroy Alpha 60, which is a computer that controls all of Alphaville.  There are actually so many similarities between this and 1984 that I almost thought I should protest.

Well, this is a great film.  I love films that combine genres and this one pulled that off perfectly.  Okay, so the concept is a bit cliche and the technology obviously has dated.  Still, a great movie and, of course because it is Godard, beautifully done.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Germans and Americans were shown as those most ready to assimilate.  Thanks, man.

Trailer:


5 comments:

  1. There was definitely some greatness mixed in here, but I didn't take to it as well as you. I LOVED certain aspects, but the final product just didn't do it for me. Eddie Constantine was great though and Anna Karina is always fun to watch.

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    1. I can totally understand why you didn't take to this one. I really liked it but I was certainly ready for it to be over by the end of it.

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  2. One I'm going to pass on I'm afraid..

    Why? Because i really expected to like this.. but all I recall is being disinterested.

    I will say i perhaps watched it on the wrong day and in the wrong mind set and totally missed the point

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    1. I just thought mixing film noir and science fiction was brilliant but I completely understand why it would not appeal to some people.

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  3. You know what is wrong with this movie? Godard himself!
    This movie has a great idea and shold be working, but does not because Godard in his usual style manages to ruin it.
    I have long since given up on Godard.

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