Think outside the box with 'Band of Outsiders'

By Jeff Renfro

"Band of Outsiders," the 1964 film by Jean-Luc Godard, incorporates all of the elements that made the French New Wave great, and pushed the world cinema forward in a way that few films have ever done. The film rebels against the arbitrary rules established by traditional film studios, while presenting and subverting the love stories that have been a staple of cinema in all periods.

The film follows Arthur (Claude Brasseur) and Franz (Sami Frey) as they attempt to make something of their seemingly pointless lives. While in English class, they meet Odile (Anna Karina) whom they both fall in love with. The two men compete for the attention of Odile, but maintain cool demeanors that connote a level of detachment from the outcome of their longings. While not in school, Odile works in the home of a wealthy older couple who keep a large amount of money locked in a dresser. The trio decides that they will steal the money and leave France. At times, the plot seems inconsequential. The story is paper-thin and is based on the standard caper/love triangle films that came before it.

Godard has to be considered one of the great filmmakers of all time. His 1960 debut, "Breathless," was instantly recognized as a classic. Godard is probably the best known of the French New Wave directors, and released a film as recently as 2001 ("In Praise of Love"). His other notable films include 'Alphaville" and "La Chinoise." "Band of Outsiders" may be the sweetest of all his films. It came at an important time in his career, following the release of his first commercial film, "Le Mepris," and his first failure, "Les Carabiniers."

"Band of Outsiders" produced several moments that have been recreated time and again by other filmmakers. While waiting to commit the robbery, the trio decides to break the record for the fastest trip through the Louvre. They sprint through the museum as security guards attempt to stand in their way.

Perhaps the best scene of the film occurs in a small cafe. The three finish their meal, put a song on the jukebox, and begin to dance the Madisen in unison. The shot stays on them for the entire song as they perform the simple dance. In this scene, the three characters appear to be the only people in the world, or at least in their minds, the only three that matter.

The film features constant allusions to American topics. Franz and Arthur reenact the death of Billy the Kid before entering their car. The old record for fastest time through the Louvre was set by an American. Godard is using the American medium to convey something that is truly personal, and also very French. The characters are establishing a new French identity, which borrows and destroys the American ideals that they are based on. The French New Wave subverted Hollywood rules for cinematography and other industry standards, but more importantly, subverted the ideals of contemporary western powers. The films are a call to reexamine life and to create something that is truly unique and truly beautiful.

Grade: A

û Contact Jeff Renfro at (408) 554-4546 or jrenfro@scu.edu.