Talking About Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless with our guest, Cinematographer and Filmmaker Andrew Wonder
Cinematographer Andrew Wonder joins hosts Andy Nelson and Pete Wright to discuss his recent work on Paul Schrader’s Oh, Canada starring Richard Gere, and share his passion for Jean-Luc Godard’s 1960 French New Wave classic Breathless. Wonder reflects on his fascinating journey in the film industry, from starting at MTV at age 17 to his current work as both cinematographer and director. He provides fascinating insights into shooting Oh, Canada, including technical details about how different actors photograph on camera and his approach to working with established performers like Richard Gere.
The conversation explores the innovative techniques used in Breathless, including the famous jump cuts that came about when Godard needed to cut the film down from 2.5 hours to 90 minutes. Wonder shares his deep appreciation for how the film was made, including behind-the-scenes stories like how they achieved the iconic street scenes using a modified mail cart to hide the camera. The discussion examines how the French New Wave’s approach to filmmaking continues to influence modern cinema, and the importance of preserving cinematic history while pushing boundaries in contemporary filmmaking.
The discussion delves into the challenges facing contemporary filmmakers, the state of modern cinema, and how films like Breathless can inspire new generations of creators. Wonder also shares his thoughts on current filmmakers who are innovating within the medium and carrying forward the spirit of experimentation that marked the French New Wave era.
Whether you’re a fan of French New Wave cinema, interested in the craft of cinematography, or curious about the state of modern filmmaking, this episode offers valuable insights into both classic and contemporary cinema. Wonder’s enthusiasm for Godard’s groundbreaking work, combined with his own experiences behind the camera, makes for an engaging discussion that reminds us why Breathless remains a pivotal film in cinema history.
Film Sundries
- Find Andrew on Instagram, IMDb, or his own website
- Check out Everything Is Cinema: The Working Life of Jean-Luc Godard
- Tune in to our conversation about Chameleon Street on The Next Reel
- Tune in to our conversation about the French New Wave on Cinema Scope
- Watch Breathless on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatch
- Theatrical trailer
- Letterboxd
