Five Film Favorites: French Films

From 'Breathless'

My trips to France have been vicarious: words written by others, pictures created by others. For the most part, what I know -- or think I know -- about France has been gathered and presented to me by filmmakers. 

Moreover, a good part of what I know -- or think I know -- about good movies has been shaped by countless hours spent watching French films.

Like many baby boomers who grew up loving movies, once I discovered foreign films the French New Wave films exerted a big influence on me. Accordingly, my five favorite French feature films are as follows:

“The 400 Blows” (1959): B&W. Directed by François Truffaut. Cast: Jean-Pierre Léaud, Claire Maurier, Albert Rémy. Note: This story’s deft portrayal of a brave boy’s yearning for dignity, trapped in an indifferent world, stylistically kicked in the door of acceptance for a group of young French directors.

"Breathless" (1960): B&W. Directed by Jean-Luc Godard. Cast: Jean-Paul Belmondo, Jean Seberg. Note: An opportunistic thief on the lam becomes irresistible to a pretty American journalism student in Paris. They have a romp. Uh-oh, the guy is dangerous. How long can it last?

"The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie" (1972): Color. Directed by Luis Buñuel. Cast: Fernando Rey, Paul Frankeur, Delphine Seyrig. Note: Probably master prankster Buñuel’s most accessible film, this dream within a joke, within a dream, centered around dinner-denial, sparkles with its dry wit.  

"Elevator to the Gallows" (1958): B&W. Directed by Louis Malle. Cast: Jeanne Moreau, Maurice Ronet, Georges Poujouly, Yori Bertain, Note: A sleek caper flick about the perfect crime? Well, almost. This New Wave film was a stylish French take on Film Noir. Dynamite Miles Davis soundtrack.

“La Jetée” (1962): B&W. Directed by Chris Marker. Cast: Davos Hanich, Hélène Chatelain, Jen Négroni. Note: A stunning example of how less can be way more. This short New Wave classic about memory, imagination, longing and time is unforgettable.