MASCULIN FÉMININ

Disillusioned by the rise of consumerism, Paul is intrigued by the upcoming elections and vandalises rich peoples’ cars in protest of the war in Vietnam. On the other hand, Madeleine lives a determined life pursuing a career as a singer, immersed in consumerist France. They seem like ideological opposites - Paul represents Marx while Madeleine represents Coca-Cola.

It’s this contrast in character that makes for such an interesting production; presenting teenagers who on the surface, live at opposite ends of the spectrum but in reality, both go around cafés smoking cigarettes and ranting about capitalism while enjoying a glass of Coke.

When not discussing current affairs, Paul spends his time chasing girls; namely Madeline, but also her two flatmates. Madeline, who, on the surface, seems interested in fame, also talks about birth control and female stereotypes. Paul and Madeleine are caught between their desires for political action and the rising force of pop-culture and consumerism. That said, when the characters are witness to shootings during the film, they brush off these fatal tragedies as if they never happened. Paul does not shy away from expressing his opinions on Marxism, but does little to stop a black man from being shot on a train by a racist white woman.

The film explores navigating youth amidst a period of change and political struggle. Masculin Féminin propounds the view that being young doesn’t mean being ignorant. Paul and Madeleine live their lives with their own preoccupations, but there is always a bigger picture. Whether romance or career, life in 1960s Paris is surrounded by racism, war and politics. The film makes the point that even when we are wrapped up in our own lives, the world doesn’t stop for us – and that definitely doesn’t excuse us ignoring what’s difficult.

The 60s were divisive. Between civil rights movements and the rise of countercultures, the decade provides the perfect backdrop for a film depicting contradictions of young people at the time...

Masculin Féminin (1966) is a French New Wave film that follows young people in France. The film is directed by Jean-Luc Godard, who rose to fame during the New Wave movement and was celebrated for his seemingly improvised filming style. Masculin Féminin is one of Godard’s lesser-known productions.

Starring Jean-Pierre Léaud as Paul, a young idealist pursuing aspiring singer Madeleine played by Chantal Goya, the film tackles love, pop-culture and politics. The film is loosely structured around 15 separate vignettes. There are recurring pop culture references, including Bob Dylan, The Beatles and James Bond, as well as a fleeting appearance from Bridgette Bardot. It strikes a balance between political advocacy and youthful freedom. The film, through a title card, labels its characters “the children of Marx and Coca-Cola”. Godard explores young peoples’ fascination with consumerism and current affairs. Its pop-culture references further illustrate its characters’ milieu.

Yet with Masculin Féminin, Godard reflects both sides of the story: the difficulty of striking a balance between youth idealism and real life. This is a sentiment which remains relevant in our current political and cultural climate.

- Victoria Mileson