A Woman is a Woman (1961) Review

Title: A Woman is a Woman
Year: 1961
Director: Jean Luc Godard
Country: France
Language: French

French director Jean Luc Godard was known for not abiding by the rules of conventional film-making. In A Woman is a Woman he reinvents the musical by...not making a musical. With abstract delight, he dissects Hollywood convention and turns cinematic language into his own little playground. 

A French striptease artist (Anna Karina) is desperate to become a mother. When her reluctant boyfriend suggests that his best friend impregnate her, feelings become complicated when she accepts.

Pulsating with pastel colours and loud with emotion, A Woman is a Woman is a vibrant, fun, free flowing romantic comedy that charms us with its silly score and absurd situations. The picture, Godard's second feature, feels like a musical in its energy and performances. 

The giddy production design  gives us an infectious joy de vivre - while also allowing us alternative avenues of interpretation. A Woman is a Woman is full of visual puns, witty dialogue and cute "battle of the sexes" scenes. Anna Karina gives a remarkable performance. as her goofy charm leaps out of the camera. 

Godard's film is memorable; it will sweep many audience members off their feet. His innovative use of deconstructive cinema gives us a real sense that this Director is giving his best. I plan to watch A Woman is a Woman for many years to come.