Cannes to Premiere Jean-Luc Godard Film Finished the Day Before He Died
The final film from the legendary French-Swiss director Jean-Luc Godard is set to premiere at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Titled “Scénarios,” the 18-minute short film was completed by the filmmaker in 2022, just a day before he died through an assisted suicide procedure in Switzerland.
The Accompanying Introduction
In addition to “Scénarios,” Godard also created a 34-minute introduction that will be screened alongside the film. Described as a combination of “still and moving images, halfway between reading and seeing,” this introduction adds another layer of depth to the viewing experience.
A Look at Godard’s Posthumous Projects
Last year, Cannes premiered the trailer for “The Film That Will Never Exist: Phony Wars,” an unfinished documentary that was touted as Godard’s final film. However, prior to his death, Godard had been involved in planning, directing, and supervising several other projects. Collaborators Fabrice Aragno and Jean-Paul Battaggia, who have worked closely with Godard for a long time, have been working to bring these projects to the screen.
One of these projects is “Scénarios,” which Aragno describes as being “more in a classic video style with some super-8 images.” This short film showcases Godard’s unique artistic vision and serves as a testament to his creative genius.
A Tribute to Godard’s Legacy
Godard’s death marked the end of a long and illustrious career that included iconic films such as “Breathless,” “Pierrot le Fou,” and “Alphaville.” In a statement released at the time of his passing, it was revealed that Godard was not sick but simply exhausted. He made the decision to end his life, and it was important to him that his choice be known.
By premiering “Scénarios” at Cannes, the festival pays tribute to Godard’s immense contribution to the world of cinema. His innovative storytelling techniques and bold artistic choices have left an indelible mark on the film industry, inspiring countless filmmakers and captivating audiences around the globe.
Cannes Classics and Other Highlights
“Scénarios” is part of the Cannes Classics sidebar, which features special presentations of timeless classics such as Akira Kurosawa’s “Seven Samurai” and Jacques Demy’s “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.” The festival will also showcase documentaries about Faye Dunaway and Jim Henson, offering a diverse range of cinematic experiences.
Aside from the Cannes Classics, the main line-up includes highly anticipated films such as “Kinds of Kindness” by Yorgos Lanthimos, reuniting him with Emma Stone, Andrea Arnold’s “Bird” starring Barry Keoghan, Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis,” and George Miller’s “Mad Max” prequel, “Furiosa.” These films promise to captivate audiences and continue the tradition of pushing the boundaries of storytelling and visual artistry.
As the Cannes Film Festival prepares to showcase the final work of Jean-Luc Godard, cinema enthusiasts and industry professionals eagerly await the opportunity to experience his last creative endeavor. “Scénarios” serves as a poignant reminder of Godard’s unparalleled talent and his lasting impact on the world of film.
