Every Man for Himself

Isabelle Huppert and other wonders of nature in Every Man for Himself

Jean-Luc Godard's Every Man for Himself, from 1980, is one of the most curdled and self-disgusted art objects I have ever encountered. It's well constructed and shot, but soul deadening. Godard's return to commercial filmmaking is one of his least celebratory works: he is so intent on his thesis that capitalism reduces all human exchange to prostitution that he cannot derive any pleasure from framing Isabelle Huppert's gorgeous ass or other wonders of nature.

Jacques Dutronc plays 'Godard' as a sleazy dude on the make and it is an entertaining stunt. Nathalie Baye also gives her all as a woman searching for meaning in an existence that is devoid of one. Godard has since proven that he was not washed up as a filmmaker. However, despite widespread acclaim, I feel this is one of his least rewarding features. (2/16/16)