2 or 3 Things I Know About Her

 

2 or 3 Things I Know About Her

“2 or 3 Things I Know About Her”(*2 ou 3 choses que je sais d’elle*) is a groundbreaking French drama directed by "Jean-Luc Godard", one of the pioneers of the French New Wave. Released in 1967, the film offers a sharp social critique on consumerism, urban life and the complexities of modern womanhood, wrapped in Godard’s signature experimental style.

Overview

Original Title: 2 ou 3 choses que je sais d’elle

Year: 1967

Country: France

Language: French

Genre: Drama, Experimental, New Wave

Director: Jean-Luc Godard

Main Cast:

Marina Vlady as Juliette Janson

Gérard Patrício as Robert Janson

Rufus

Jean-Pierre Léaud (cameo)

Plot Summary

The film centers on "Juliette", a young Parisian housewife and mother who navigates the challenges of life in a rapidly modernizing city. To support her family, she secretly works as a part-time prostitute—a reality that Godard uses to explore broader themes about:

- The alienation of urban life.

- The commodification of human relationships.

- Consumer culture’s impact on identity and freedom.

The narrative blends documentary-like observations with poetic imagery and philosophical commentary, breaking conventional storytelling norms.

Production & Style

Jean-Luc Godard’s direction is famously experimental in this film, featuring:

- Non-linear narrative.

- Direct address to the camera.

- Interspersed voice-overs and text.

- Juxtapositions of images and sound.

The film blurs the lines between fiction and reality, inviting viewers to actively engage with its social critique. It is less about a traditional plot and more about exploring ideas and sensations.

Themes & Analysis

“2 or 3 Things I Know About Her” delves deeply into:

Consumerism: How objects and desires shape human behavior.

Alienation: The disconnection experienced in modern urban society.

Feminism: The contradictions faced by women balancing societal roles and personal autonomy.

Language and Communication: The fragmentation of meaning in contemporary life.

Godard challenges viewers to reflect on their own complicity within these social structures.

Cast Performances

- "Marina Vlady" gives a nuanced and evocative portrayal of Juliette, embodying both vulnerability and strength.

- Supporting actors, including "Gérard Patrício" and "Rufus", complement the film’s intellectual and emotional layers.

- The cameo by "Jean-Pierre Léaud", a staple of the French New Wave, connects the film to its cinematic context.

Legacy & Impact

“2 or 3 Things I Know About Her” is regarded as:

- A seminal work of the French New Wave.

- An influential political and feminist film.

- A pioneering example of experimental cinema.

- A thought-provoking critique still relevant in discussions about urban life and consumer culture.

The film remains studied and celebrated in film schools and festivals worldwide.