Jean-Luc Godard Retrospective

Playing with 'Notre Musique'

Short Synopsis

A rare chance to see Godard and Anne-Marie Meiville’s documentary about art and its’ place in history.

Review

A rare opportunity to see Godard and Anne-Marie Mieville’s documentary collaboration from 1999, originally commissioned by New York’s Museum of Modern Art. Taking the form of a cinematic essay, the filmmakers embark on a deep exploration into the history of art. Their brief stated: “The producers must examine any object or subject, ordinary or extraordinary, in any field, according to their actions or ideas, making sure to identify any existing trace of what we have agreed to call art, to finally discover if art is a legend or a reality.”

Among the numerous topics explored is the ethical question of art arising from periods of war. Godard discusses how photographers during the war in Yugoslavia were accused by newspapers of making art out of images of horror, through the way in which their photos were exhibited as paintings. Elsewhere, the very purpose of art is discussed, from its nature as a commodity through to its ability to preserve, as Mieville claims; “art wasn’t protected from time. It was what protected time”.

With Godard’s signature use of frequent title-cards and featuring detailed voice-overs from both directors, The Old Place displays a montage of startling imagery. Clips from archive film footage are exhibited alongside key examples of modern art ranging from Millet to Warhol. Essential for fans of Godard and modern art alike.

James Merchant