When a famous director associated with reinventing filmmaking hails a movie, people pay close attention. The renowned director Quentin Tarantino, known for high-energy and unconventional cinema, famously admired Jim McBride‘s movie, which he described as one of the “coolest” ever. Although a fan of the unusual, unconventional, and rebellious, Tarantino is a big supporter of the cult classic, ‘Breathless‘ (1983).
In contrast to the original 1960 French film of the same name, which is widely regarded as a landmark of its era’s cinema, McBride’s remake largely abandons the intellectual sensibilities that defined the French New Wave. Instead, it dives right into a dark, sleazy world where fast cars, random crimes, and intense emotions take over. For that very reason, it fits Tarantino’s definition of a truly cool movie.
What Makes ‘Breathless’ One Of Quentin Tarantino’s Favorite Films
Throughout his career, Quentin Tarantino has never kept his hunt for unorthodox movies with a distinct attitude a secret. Among his most passionate endorsements is the 1983 neo-noir thriller ‘Breathless,’ shot by Jim McBride.
Discussing the coolest movies ever made, Tarantino argued that ‘Breathless’ belongs in a league of its own for blending personality and style more effectively than almost any other film. This appreciation has a lot to do with the main character’s personality in particular.
Jesse Lujack, the drifter portrayed by Richard Gere, is obsessed with comic books, specifically ‘The Silver Surfer.’ It is probably why he has no moral scruples about moving around town and stealing from people. For a long time, Tarantino admired immoral antiheroes.
So, Jesse’s character is another example of what the director prefers. Moreover, the movie’s central idea is to present a rebellious, energetic, and rough character instead of a traditional hero in Hollywood productions. Coupled with the rock-and-roll atmosphere and pop culture references, it makes for a refreshing film.
How Jim McBride Put An American Spin On A French Classic
Unlike Jean-Luc Godard’s classic film, McBride’s version offers audiences a vastly different experience. Instead of a philosophical drama, it is an American crime movie with fast cars, impulsive crimes, and high erotic tension.
In Case You Missed It: Quentin Tarantino Originally Hated Samuel L. Jackson’s ‘Pulp Fiction’ Look
The story is simple, yet full of action. After stealing a car in Las Vegas and killing a policeman during the incident, Jesse Lujack runs off to Los Angeles. There, he tries to find his former girlfriend, Monica, a French architecture student (played by Valérie Kaprisky).
Jesse’s obsession with her grows, while the pressure from law enforcement also intensifies. The story unfolds at a brisk pace, packed with twists and turns as the protagonist becomes entangled in a series of crimes and reckless exploits while trying to stay one step ahead of the law.
In the end, the remake takes a different direction from the original movie. McBride’s movie strips away everything intellectual and philosophical, turning it into a sleazier, more visceral style that reflects the energy of early-1980s American cinema.
While it never achieved the mainstream recognition of many crime classics from the era, ‘Breathless’ gradually developed a devoted cult following, earning praise from filmmakers such as Quentin Tarantino.
You Might Also Like To Read: ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Might Be Establishing Peter Parker’s Biggest Betrayal Ever
