Jean-Luc Godard already as in himself! In 1964, when François Chalais questioned the director about his young filmography, he answered tit for tat that he would prefer to answer questions about the Vietnam War or the future of Europe.
Discover here François Chalais’ “Cinépanorama” with Jacques Tati
With the Festival, he never ceased to maintain love-hate relationships. In 1961, furious that Breathless had not been selected in the official competition, he organized a screening in a local hall. “It would have pleased me to be selected, but because it would have given me a room to look at,” he confides to François Chalais.
In May 68, he was one of those who led a revolt that would end with the premature end of the 21st edition. “I’m talking to you about solidarity with students and workers and you’re talking to me about traveling and close-up! You are idiots!” he says during a particularly heated debate. The incident is quickly forgotten. In 1980, Sauve qui peut (la vie) earned him his first official selection but not the slightest reward, which would also be the case for Passion and Détective. He is not discouraged, however: “With the festival, I will go to death, but I will not take another step!”, he once assured.
To which the organizers replied: “Each time, Jean-Luc promises to be there… which means nothing”. On the other hand, he kept his promise: he came when François Chalais asked him to participate in Cinépanorama.
Find François Chalais’ Cinépanorama programs on Madelen, the Ina platform.
