HNC Photography, IFC - Coursework, Introduction to Film Culture Blog, Part two - Love and Lust, Research & Reflection IFC
Bogart vs Belmondo
Jean-Paul Belmondo could be called the French Bogart. Why? I’m not able to pin down a something definitive; other than it an attitude or sense of style.
The character he plays in “Breathless” (1960) is thoroughly reprehensible. There are nothing in the way of redeeming features – for example, he steals money from his ex-girlfriend. But, not only does he steal it, he asks to borrow money, to find out where it is kept so he can steal more. Then he takes the ex-girlfriend out for breakfast with the stolen money.
In contrast, Bogarts defining trait as Rick in “Casablanca” (1942) is that of a “hard-boiled cynic” who eventually shows his moral/nobler side. This is a trait exhibited by many characters played by Bogart over the years and polar opposite to the immoral character played by Belmondo in “Breathless”.
What both characters/actors do have in common is the same sense of style and coolness in how they come across on screen – whether this is in Bogart’s cynical way or the aloofness of Belmondo. Cool is a hard concept to place to words; it is a subtle facial expression or just a casual nod in an awkward situation.
However, both Casablanca & Breathless hold a significant place in Film Culture. Rick in Casablanca can be seen as a metaphor for the whole of the US – in initial reluctance to enter 2nd World War. Rick is an initially dislikable person but is morality wins eventually. However, “Breathless” is the modern or “New Wave” of cinema that is allowing its hero’s to be flawed and thoroughly dislikable. There is nothing at the end of the film to make him a good individual.
