WEEKEND

“Weekend” is a 1967 landmark French New Wave movement film known for its provocative storytelling. Jean-Luc Godard’s film is a satirical, surreal, and often absurd exploration of societal decadence, class struggle, and the human condition.

The film follows the tumultuous journey of a young, upper-middle-class Parisian couple, Roland and Corinne, played by Jean Yanne and Mireille Darc, as they set out on a weekend trip to the French countryside to visit Corinne’s ailing father. However, their initially banal trip quickly devolves into a chaotic and surreal odyssey.

As they leave the city, they encounter a seemingly never-ending traffic jam on the highway, where the chaos and tension of modern life are on full display. Godard’s camera captures the absurdity and violence that erupt as people are stuck in the traffic snarl, providing a commentary on the societal breakdown and the dehumanizing effects of consumerism.

During their journey, the couple encounters various bizarre characters and situations, including a band of militant hippies, a car crash, and a hermit who delivers an extended monologue on the state of the world. The film also includes a series of disjointed and enigmatic vignettes reflecting on the inherent absurdity of life and death.

Throughout their journey, Roland and Corinne’s relationship deteriorates, and their values are challenged. Their possessions symbolize bourgeois excess, as they trade luxury items for essentials like food and gas. The film’s structure is intentionally fragmented, blending politics, satire, and personal drama into a chaotic narrative.

“Weekend” is known for its experimental cinematography, with long tracking shots, jump cuts, and visually striking scenes. The film is replete with symbolism, allegory, and political commentary, sometimes making it challenging to watch.

The film’s climax occurs at a lavish country estate, where a surreal, violent, and grotesque bacchanal unfolds. Here, Godard dissects the bourgeoisie’s moral bankruptcy and willingness to indulge in hedonism while ignoring the suffering of others.

As the film concludes, Roland and Corinne’s journey takes an even darker turn, ultimately questioning the value of their relationship and the world they inhabit.