In 1959, Cannes screens The 400 Blows; in 1960, Breathless is released. The French New Wave is born and cinema is forever changed. With witty narration and in-depth knowledge of its subject, this informative and entertaining documentary covers the early careers of Jean-Luc Godard and François Truffaut, their close friendship borne out of their mutual love of film and their relationship’s eventual sundering. Film critic and former Cahiers du Cinema editor Antoine de Baecque’s script covers the filmmakers’ different biographical backgrounds; comradeship over mutual appreciation of particular directors; early short films; and subsequent peaks and valleys in their careers. Those who are familiar with the lives and work of the directors will appreciate the access to rare photos, magazines, interviews and film excerpts while those new to the story will appreciate the informative presentation. Actor Jean-Pierre Léaud, who worked frequently with both directors, also looms large in the tale, serving as the beloved child of two warring, impassioned parents.


Written by Antoine de Baecque. Photographed by Etienne de Grammont, Nicholas de Pencier. With Isild Le Besco (93 min, Kino Lorber).