Two or Three Things I Know About Her

Two or Three Things I Know About Her is a French experimental film directed by the highly acclaimed filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard. This film was released in 1967 and stars Yves Beneyton, Juliet Berto, and Godard himself. The film takes on the persona of both a documentary and a feature film as Godard touches on topics such as consumerism and modernity in post-war France.

The film is a critical reflection on the events that occurred in France during the '60s, and the lifestyle changes that resulted from the economic boom during that time. The title of the movie reflects the film's two dominant themes: the commercialization of sex and consumerism. Narrated by Godard himself, the film follows a 24-hour period in the life of a Parisian prostitute known to herself only as "Julie" (played by Marina Vlady).

This film is structured entirely around the ramblings and inner thoughts of its protagonist, Julie. She is a prostitute who has chosen her trade freely, and her life is the central focus of this movie. The film follows her daily routine, with the story pivoting between moments of quiet contemplation and scenes depicting her interactions with her customers.

In adapting his narrative style, Godard employs a range of cinematic techniques that enable the film to experiment with the storytelling process. The film shifts between voice-over narration and documentary-style interviews to juxtapose Julie's private life with the larger context of the world she inhabits. Throughout the film, Godard takes the viewer through a series of all-too-realistic, yet beautifully choreographed shots of the city, its streets, buildings, and people.

The film's pacing is slow and deliberate, and in many ways, the movie functions more as a meditation on the aesthetics of the city than as a narrative feature. The camera often lingers on the details of space, such as the mundane landscape of the city, the lines, the edges, the concrete highways, and the towering office buildings.

Throughout the film, Godard toys with the audience's perceptions and challenges their understanding of reality. His jarring camera movements, alternating between focus and blur, invite us to question how we perceive the world and our place within it.

The film is known to have influenced and is considered a masterpiece of the French New Wave, a cinema movement that emerged in the late 1950s as a reaction to the conventional narrative style of traditional French cinema. Godard, as one of the foremost figures of this movement, was known for his avant-garde approach to film-making, and Two or Three Things I Know About Her is no exception.

The film's depiction of Paris in the 1960s is unparalleled, and it offers a valuable insight into the social, cultural and economic changes that took place during that tumultuous decade. Through Julie's character, the film explores the links between consumerism, economic growth, and the dehumanization of modern life. These themes are still relevant today and make the movie an essential watch for anyone interested in the history of film and the social history of France.

Overall, Two or Three Things I Know About Her is an innovative and groundbreaking film that raises profound questions about the nature of reality, meaning, and identity. Its complex lyrical structure, with its melange of styles and mixed voice-over narration, makes the film captivating and engaging. The film leaves an indelible impression on the viewer, and its social commentary still resonates with audiences today, making it a timeless piece of art.