Michel Hazanavicius (The Artist) tackles a key moment in the life of iconic French New Wave director Jean-Luc Godard. The year is 1967; Godard’s latest film, La Chinoise, has been a disaster. Disillusioned, the director becomes increasingly radicalised by the student revolt of 1968 and rejects his past life and work to embark on a new creative and ideological path. Redoubtable pokes affectionate fun at Godard’s foibles, using pastiches of cinematic devices he popularised to droll effect. In the lead role, Louis Garrel nimbly avoids caricature and essays Godard’s combination of effortless cool and brittle insecurity with aplomb.

(Notes by David O’Mahony)

Director’s Note: Astute, entertaining, and with winks to the French New Wave, Redoubtable is by turns affectionate and irreverent.

Main competition, Cannes Film Festival 2017

Screening as part of the IFI French Film Festival 2017 – November 15th to 26th.

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