A Rediscovered Masterpiece: 'Contempt' by Jean-Luc Godard

It's often said that a film's worth is not solely determined by the initial reception but also by a second look. Contempt, Jean-Luc Godard's 1963 film, is a case in point. Initially known in English as Disprezzo, this controversial masterpiece has been subject to varied interpretations over the decades. As a modern SEO specialist, my goal is to explore this film's complexity and highlight why it deserves a second glance.

The Film's Background and Critique

Contempt is adapted from the novel Il disprezzo by Alberto Moravia, which was previously adapted into the acclaimed film The Conformist by Bernardo Bertolucci. When re-released in the summer of 1997, the film received immense praise from notable critics. For instance, the late Gene Siskel, in a rare moment of high praise, called it one of the greatest films of his life. However, the interpretations of this film have varied widely, especially among those familiar with Godard's typically challenging and abstract style.

Initial Interpretations and Misunderstandings

It's common for films by directors like Godard to be demanding and unclear. For example, his films include Tout va bien and Weekend. Before watching Contempt, I read a few reviews that painted a rather straightforward plot: the protagonist, a screenwriter named Javal, played by Michel Piccoli, agrees to "sell out" to Hollywood by accepting a job rewriting the The Odyssey. This plotline, however, has been interpreted too narrowly, focusing primarily on the conflict with Hollywood itself.

Deeper Analysis: A Marriage in Crisis

The film delves much deeper into a crumbling marriage than a mere job offer. Moreover, the early reviews slightly misinterpreted the dynamics between Javal and his wife, Brigitte Bardot's character, Camille. According to a serious analysis, Camille's contempt stems from the fact that Javal knowingly offers herself for a possible tryst with the producer, Palance. Later, when Javal encourages Camille to meet the producer for another potential liaison, she realizes that Javal sees her as nothing more than a mere commodity. This realization signifies the end of their marriage, built on false notions of love and loyalty.

Incineration: The Widescreen Emotion

Godard's use of the widescreen format is particularly noteworthy. He employs wide shots to visually represent the emotional distance between Javal and Camille, highlighting their alienation. In these scenes, it seems they cannot occupy the same space, paralleling their emotional separation. This technique underscores the central theme of the movie: the breakdown of a once-utopian relationship.

Psychoanalysis and Envy

The question remains: why did Javal make this suggestion? Throughout the film, Javal is portrayed as meek and insecure. Could the producer's confidence have awakened a latent envy in Javal? Perhaps he envied the producer's larger-than-life persona and hoped that his wife could be seduced for the greater good. Alternatively, Javal might have simply become too engrossed in the project of adapting The Odyssey to recognize Camille as a complex individual, reducing her to a prize like Penelope, the mythical character who was famously kept faithful.

A Call for a Second Look

It appears that certain critics have not given Contempt the scrutiny it deserves. As a contemporary SEO expert, I implore viewers to revisit this film. It is a masterpiece, revealing much more than a simple narrative about job security and creativity in cinema. Contempt is a profound exploration of marriage, independence, and the intricate dynamics between art and personal life.