Those who unreservedly adore everything Jean-Luc Godard signed his name to are apt to appreciate his 1985 film Detective more than those of us who are less convinced of his unassaible greatness. Even so, there’s no denying that Detective is interesting in the extreme. The film is, yes, a comedy, but the term takes on a different shade when it’s in Godard’s hands. Detective isn’t so much geared toward generating laughs as it is toward making fun of itself — or perhaps I should say of the type of film Godard was expected to deliver. I think calling it “playful” might be nearest the truth. Everything about the presentation falls under that heading — from the extended credits to the film’s deliberately obvious melodramatic slabs of Schubert, Wagner, Liszt, etc. that constantly pop up on the soundtrack. It’s a film that defies you to take it seriously. And while that’s all to the good, overall it feels kind of lazy to me. Shots — taken from what appear to be arbitrary angles — run on and while nothing much happens. (Cue the Godard contingent to object that this is brilliant mise-en-scene.) It has a kind of offhand look — like not a lot trouble was taken in its making. But, oh, yes, it’s interesting.
Classic World Cinema by Courtyard Gallery will present Detective Friday, July 17 at 8 p.m. at Phil Mechanic Studios, 109 Roberts St., River Arts District (upstairs in the Railroad Library). Info: 273-3332, www.ashevillecourtyard.com
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.