Austin Film Society’s French Cinema Series
“It’s hard to overstate the impact of BREATHLESS on cinema history.” – Austin Film Society
In 1960, Jean-Luc Godard released his first feature-length film and changed the history of cinema. With a bold visual style and unconventional editing and cuts, Breathless (In France: À bout de souffle) became known as the most important French New Wave film. Starring Jean-Paul Belmondo and Jean Seberg, the move is still considered one of the best ever made. To celebrate this piece of film history, the Austin Film Society and Richard Linklater have curated a big-screen release of Breathless throughout the weekend.
Texas native, director Richard Linklater has two films debuting this year and both will also be shown at the Austin Film Society this month as well. The newly released Blue Moon is a biographical comedic drama about the Broadway debut of Oklahoma!
The second film is connected intricately with Breathless. Nouvelle Vague is a film reimagining the shooting of Breathless and the story of French New Wave cinema. “Capturing the youthful dynamism and creative chaos at the heart of one of the world’s most beloved and influential movies, Nouvelle Vague transports us to the streets of 1959 Paris for an ode to the transformative power of cinema,” says the Austin Film Society. Nouvelle Vague will be playing at the Austin Film Society theater throughout November.
1960s France at Jean-Marc Fray Antiques
At Jean-Marc Fray Antiques we are always looking for inspiration. One of our favorite sources of inspiration is found in film. Storytelling and visionary directors create ideas for unexpected interiors and beyond. In honor of the French New Wave cinema, here are a few of our favorite available pieces from 1960’s France or inspired by Godard’s classic.
Drawing on the white and black palette of the New Wave films, these 1960’s pieces create bold contrast. From white leather to black and white patterns, each uses unexpected detail and shapes to create dynamic interest. The Willy Rizzo coffee table combines slick black with chrome while the Wassily armchair has become iconic for a reason! The jump cuts of Godard’s film can be found in the black and white glass forms on the Murano covered chest of drawers.
While New Wave cinema is known for abrupt cuts and unexpected editing, the black and white vases create a unique, unexpected visual effect. The polka dots featured even evoke the iconic style of Jean Seberg’s aesthetic throughout the movie. Similarly, the highest quality Murano glass hand-blown lamps draw the eye with their gray tones. The chrome side table perfectly evokes a cocktail in 1960s Paris.
Looking for more inspiration for finding the perfect piece for your home? Visit our gallery or contact us via email for styling assistance.