Analyzing Jean-Luc Godard's Film Vivre Sa Vie

Jean-Luc Godard’s films are always unique in their own way. This film, Vivre Sa Vie was no exception. One of the most interesting editing choices for this film was the fact that it is split up in different chapters with headings and all. They each showcase a “highlight” from the main character’s journey or story so the time connecting each chapter is irrelevant. I believe Godard is using this technique to form the way one would recall past memories – only with the highlights. We’re given a brief intro in the headings for each chapter, but other than that, there isn’t much information on what is going on. Godard is given us as the audience a basis on what to expect or feel while going into the scene. He is giving us what is important to focus on the most. What I also found interesting was that after almost every chapter heading, we are shown a scene with a person whose face is covered or hidden in some way. Sometimes they are turned around or facing another direction. Sometimes they are even hidden behind an object. I went back and looked and it seemed …show more content…
We as the audience are brought into this character’s life as if she is the one telling us the story. We watch the important parts of her story play out and are pushed to feel the emotion that comes with it. We are also forced to fill in the pieces that aren’t shown and interpret the storyline ourselves. We are also constantly being asked philosophical questions about life, usually raised by the main character. Through that we are forced to think – which seems to be a constant intent by the director. Godard wants us to think and to be constantly using our brain when viewing the film. It is clear that his way of forming films is very intentional and successfully creates a story or environment that can definitely teach us a thing or two about not only ourselves, but life in