JLG/JLG

This autobiographical, self-portrait of Godard by Godard is one of his most interesting, honest, and touching films of the last 25+ years. At just over an hour in length, it doesn't outstay it's welcome, as it is filmed exclusively in Godard's home in Switzerland. Much of the time we see him in shadow or silhouette as he reflects on his life, the nature of film/art, European history, and even some politics. Of course, one can't mistake this for a documentary, because Godard is as concerned as ever with aesthetics and the meaning of film which has always made his films a little bit difficult to classify. At one point he hires a blind editor to cut his film, which almost seems to be a statement about his films are instinctual rather than carefully planned and arranged. But amidst his compendium of ideas, a glimpse of humanity and a glimpse of Godard the man rather than Godard the radical filmmaker comes through, making this an unusally moving work. This would likely come across as unmoving, boring, and confusing to those unfamiliar with Godard or his work, but to understand his movies is to understand the man, which is what makes this a great film.