Original Title: 2 ou 3 choses que je sais d’elle
Director: Jean-Luc Godard
Writer: Jean-Luc Godard
Starring: Joseph Gehrard, Marina Vlady, Anny Duperey
Runtime: 87 min
Rating: R
Considered by many to be Godard’s masterpiece, 2 or 3 Things I Know About Her is a visual essay determined to give commentary on issues of consumerism, feminism, labour, housing, and many other concerns luring over France in the 1960’s. As one of Godard’s most serious works, it holds ample rewards for those who can watch until the end and reflect on its exposures.
2 or 3 Things I Know About Her follows a woman called Juliette Jeanson (Marina Vlady) through her daily life. The spectator follows her to a daycare, her home, a clothing store, and her part-time job as a prostitute. Throughout the duration of the film, Juliette gives insight into the broader implications of all this activity, being occasionally interrupted by other characters, or by a narrator who exposes the national crisis that follows France.
Vlady is fantastic as the detached mother Juliette, who perfectly manages to give social commentary while physically fulfilling mundane activities. Her movements are natural and flowing, and her lines are delivered as though the spectator were able to delve deep into her mind. She is stunningly beautiful, but that is not the camera’s main concern; she takes on her role as leading lady with seriousness, and she is an excellent outlet for Godard’s philosophies. The rest of the cast is also quite successful in conveying their respective criticisms. Most impressive of all, however, is perhaps Juliette’s son, who innocently and unknowingly manages to deliver the film’s most outstanding moment. That is, in essence, the great beauty of 2 or 3 Things I Know About Her: the fact that although it is fragmented, it has individual jewels that form a larger piece of truth. Also worthy of note is the film’s narrator, who uses a whispering voice to deliver his lines. This technique is quite entertaining, and a good alternative to regular narrating conventions used in film.
It is hard to pass judgment on what is considered to be Godard’s masterpiece without risking sounding like an uncultured pseudo film buff, but the fact remains that this film will not suit or please everybody. It is not the most entertaining of works, and will probably be more pleasing to Godard fanatics who are willing to explore every single aspect of his repertoire. As for those seeking a more entertaining and playful Godard film, I would suggest they look elsewhere. This is not to say that this film isn’t highly rewarding. It uses a style of filmmaking that is nearly dead in contemporary cinema, and it is one of the most insightful pieces of art one could get their hands on. I think it’s important to mention that while narratively the film might not be the most thrilling experience, visually it is absolutely riveting. Godard’s shots in this piece are simply marvellous, and the whole experience is worth it just to get a glimpse of his shots of a cup of coffee.
Whether one is looking to expand their knowledge of Godard’s career, or simply seeking something new to watch, 2 or 3 Things I Know About Her offers a unique experience on both ends. Although it might not be every spectator’s cup of tea, it is undoubtedly one of the greatest additions ever made to cinema.
