Breathless

The star here is the extensive use of rear projection to create a somewhat surreal feel. Watch it. It's almost fun.

A mini cult 80s gem of a film. Richard Gere and the gorgeous Valerie Kaprisky are the star crossed lovers on the run from the LAPD, lots of sex, and a great soundtrack makes this one of those time capsule films that might of passed you by. Quentin Tarrantino himself has called this film a personal favourite. Catch it if you can 👍

The movie was cartoonish, unlike Belmondo's rendition which hit the nerve perfectly. Gere's role was far too affectedly zany and Kaprisky a bit too wooden. The Silver Surfer insert was silly but in keeping with the cartoonish zeitgeist. Gere's trying to act like Silver Surfer, who he idolizes...but he doesn't have any of Silver Surfer's powers, or Silver Surfer's questioning of morality of his decisions, nor Silver Surfer's Prometheus-like or Christ-like qualities--it just seems like tacked-on symbolism that's poorly thought out. In the original Breathless Belmondo idolizes Bogie and acts tough like Bogie, but that symbolism makes sense and is a better character fit; this one doesn't. The relationship between the two main characters feels strained and unnatural in the remake, probably because neither character is lifelike or realistic. When Gere's affected role spilled over into silliness, as in the last scene of the movie, it further distanced itself from the nuance of Belmondo's portrayal in 1960. I watched the original Godard version and this McBride remake in tandem on the same day, and the gulf in technique, characterization and thematic treatment is night and day.

Despite the fact that it has a strong performance from Richard Gere and an electric sort of energy, you've got to wonder why director Jim McBride would even consider doing a remake of Jean-Luc Godard's French New Wave-classic Breathless. Gere plays Jesse, an immature, repugnant narcissist who demands the love of Monica (Valerie Kaprisky), a girl he met over the course of a few days in Las Vegas. On top of it being a bad idea to remake a cinematic landmark, the movie fails in a couple of other ways. The supporting cast is brutal throughout, including Kaprisky, who seems to be reading her lines from a teleprompter. Her relationship with Jesse never feels real, especially when she comes to realize that he is a murderer and career criminal. Whoa, what a catch!! And really, could Jesse be any more of an annoying character? Could he not have had his showdown with the police earlier in the movie? Lesson learned? Don't remake films that are as iconic as the original Breathless.

Guy had girl, guy stalks girl, guy (kinda) gets girl, even though girl is gettin got with someone else, and it all ends in a blaze of glory. Jesse (Richard Gere) is a petty criminal drifter who is obsessed with The Silver Surfer comics and Jerry Lee Lewis — he also loves to steal cool cars. After accidentally killing a cop in Barstow — at the edge of the desert — he completes his journey to Los Angeles in the hopes of reuniting with a French college student, Monica (Valerie Kaprisky). Breathless is a remake of a French New Wave film of the same name, with French criminal and American muse. Right when Monica thought she was out, Jesse pulls her back in (or is it the other way around?). This back and forth, plus Jesse evading the police as his profile grows from a description to a full-page photo, makes up the entirety of the movie. I enjoyed this movie for being very Los Angeles — orange skies with palm tree sunsets, unbuttoned shirts, convertible cars, seedy dive bars, that shot through one of those giant donuts. There are some silly moments — Jesse must not look at the road for a full seven seconds while driving at one point — but the final third actually makes this a more enjoyable movie. It's very attractive people making very poor decisions, but you still want them to make it.

Hot movie, everything is great except the murder. (Happens early, not a spoiler) That clearly should have been left out. Doesn't fit the tone of the story. Other than that it's a fun and sexy ride.

A decent film to watch if you're curious about LA in the 80's. It takes place mostly in Westwood. The storyline is a bit crazy, but if you love Richard Gere, you'll enjoy the movie for what it is.

Story/Screenplay: (2.5/5) Not particularly original or compelling when it was released, it has not improved over the last 40 years. Our male protagonist, meant to be roguish and charming, effortlessly comes across as a creepy stalker. Without any other interesting characters, the story suffered and became tiresome. Duration/Tempo: (2.5/5) At 1 hour and 40 minutes, it's a shorter than average movie that felt longer. Cast & Crew: (3/5) Richard Gere was OK, but Valerie Kaprisky was better looking. Summary: (2.5/5) Not terrible, but not good. The story and cast were mediocre and the film felt a little long. A thumbs down.

A masculine and chauvinistic romance. It's main character, played by Richard Gere, is a jerk but you kinda like him. A Rockabilly criminal car thief that loves the Silver surfer and is obsessed over a French college student. Gere is on the run for killing a cop and he wants to take his French girlfriend to Mexico, but they are just too different. Prepare for a broken heart and tragic romance. Can't help but feel like "True Romance" is Tarantino's take on the material. Fantastic ending.

I saw this movie many years ago while working in Alaska. I was on board a fish packer and the tape was among the movies available. I loved it. I watched it two or three times. Now I am 72, on social security, bad heart, death is just around the corner. I am no longer young, no longer impulsive, and of course have "matured." Just watched this movie again. The emotions of youth have been tamped down by time. Chaos no longer pulls me out into the night, I watch where I walk, trying not to slip on the ice. No drinking and driving. Breathless is a movie for those who run against the wind. It is a great movie still