Watching a Jean-Luc Godard film can be a challenge. Technique and personal expression of how the director felt on the set that day ALWAYS trumps plot. And as the 1960s progressed (war, riots, divorce) Godard's feelings and films became gradually more morose. Though to this day he continues to make visually arresting films of startling technique, the playfulness is gone.

This is why I am recommend to you his first film, Breathless. The sheer energy of this film is astounding. You can tell that Godard had a lot on his mind and was aching to get it all out at once. By the end of the film with it's staccato jump-cuts and free-wheeling camera, you feel like you have run a marathon. You find yourself literally...breathless.