Ahhh, nothing like a new entry into the Criterion Collection to get my cinema loving side a thrill. Unlike members of the average movie-going audience here in the good old US of A, I can be entertained by a wide variety of films and styles. This could be interpreted by some as a simple-mindedness on my part, but I prefer to think of myself as well rounded. I may not have an expertise in film history (though I’m unbeatable when it comes to entertainment questions in Trivial Pursuit), I can appreciate some of the finer details in films that might be lost on others. It is this lack of understanding that makes a film like Jean-Luc Godard’s “A Woman is a Woman” a bit difficult to describe, and in some cases recommend. “A Woman is a Woman” is a French film made in 1961, which for most Americans is a double whammy. What makes it worse is that Godard’s style of direction isn’t conventional by any means.

On the surface, it almost appears to be a disjointed effort to create a musical comedy. When in reality it is a disjointed effort to create a musical comedy. Confused? Then you might not be the target audience for this film.

It’s in the very fact of what it is that makes it such a fun watch for film lovers (not to be confused with film watchers). The film breaks all the rules in telling its story, and yes there is one. The actors often mug to the camera, and while it is a musical of sorts, it’s rare that anyone ever really ever breaks out into song. It’s amusing to me to see the build-ups, as if it’s about to happen… then nothing. All the performances in the film are done with a wink and a nod, and that in itself makes he film such a joy to watch. Then there’s the matter of the editing, both of the scenes and of the music within the scenes, which is often jarring and abrupt. Some might consider it a lack of style or direction, while those who recognize what Godard is attempting will find it amusing.

The story as it were, is all about Angela, a stripper in a nightclub who decides quite out of the blue, that she wants a baby. Her lover Emile (Jean-Claud Brialy), has other distractions so she decides that she should have her baby with his best friend Alfred (Jean-Paul Belmondo). That’s pretty much it in a nutshell. The story really takes a back seat to the charm of the film’s stars and the somewhat alternative style of director Godard.

The movie is excessively colorful, and I have to give credit to Criterion for doing such a great job with the transfer. The film looks almost brand new and the colrs are quite vivid. Of course I’ve come expect no less from this studio’s DVD releases.

As in most of the DVD from Criterion, “A Woman is a Woman” comes with its fair share of extra features. To give you an idea of Godard’s style, there is his 1957 professional short film (his first I understand), “All Boys are Called Patrick.” It also stars a Jean-Paul Brialy as a boy who sets up dates with two girls. Unfortunately they turn out to be roommates. Ever more fascinating, however is a 1966 TV interview with Karina, Brialy and Serge Gainsbourg. In it we learn from Karina herself a little more about her background and how she came to be discovered. She is lovely and charming and is quite frank in her responses in the interview.

There are also stills and a poster gallery, as well as a promotional audio recording that was done for the film. Its presentation on the disc is very creative, definitely check it out. Also, as in most Criterion releases, there is a fairly thick booklet with e new essay about the film by J. Hoberman, and an interview from 1961 with Godard and cinematographer Raoul Coutard. Both are very educational and a required read if you’re going to give this movie a go.

Once again, I have to give Criterion a lot of credit for putting so much work into a film that is sure to have only a limited audience.

Directed by: Jean-Luc Godard
Starring: Jean-Paul Belmondo, Anna Karina, Jean-Claude Brialy
Extras: A 1957 Short Film by Godard, Excerpts from a 1966 French Television Interview with Karina, Brialy and Serge Gainsbourg, Trailer, Posters, Rare On-Set Photos, Stills and a Promotional Audio Recording for the Film. Plus: A 24 Page Booklet Featuring Excerpts from a 1961 Interview with Godard and Coutard About “A Woman is a Woman”, and a New Essay by Film Critic J. Holberman
Specifications: Widescreen, Dolby Digital Mono
Studio: Criterion
Release Date: 6/22/2004
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give A Woman is a Woman a B+.