La Nouvelle Vague

So seeing Godard's Made in U.S.A. with Lauren the other night reminded me of something-- I really want to write a film in the style of the French New Wave. Yes, maybe Columbia's Asshole Syndrome has finally taken effect, but the new wave is by far my most favorite movement (suck on that, Italian Neo-realism)and it just seems like it would be so much fun to try.

Of course there would have to be conversations about love between the protagonist and random strangers they meet on the street that really don't have much to do with the main plot (first eight minutes of Shoot the Piano Player anyone?). But that's what was so great about new wave films. The plot was almost never important, it was about the message the movie was sending. Almost every movie released now is so focused on getting through the story that completely forget about the characters or the theme. That's why Public Enemies sucked so much, but now I'm just stating the obvious. Godard cared so little about the details of the plot that he had characters stare at the audience and describe plot points quickly and move on to the good stuff.

The New Wave was also great because many of the films would follow extremely flawed, and sometimes annoying, characters. Many of the protags in Rohmer's films are complete douchebags, but now people (*cough* columbia teachers *cough*) think that a character with some unlikeable qualities won't be loved by audiences and you'll lose them. I'm sorry, how is hard to relate to someone who has flaws?

Oh and it would have to be shot hand held with only the use of natural light, but I'm getting a little ahead of myself.

And now, the Japandroids, filling all of our rebellious love song needs.
Japandroids - Young Hearts Spark Fire