‘Le Mépris’, released in 1963 and known in English as ‘Contempt’, is a notable French-Italian film directed by Jean-Luc Godard. Set against the backdrop of the international film world in Italy, it examines the disintegration of a marriage with a distinctive visual style.
The Story
The film follows Paul Javal, a French playwright living in Rome who feels dissatisfied with his work writing for pulp films. Seeking financial security, he accepts a lucrative offer from an arrogant American film producer, Jeremy Prokosch. Paul’s job is to rework the script for a prestigious new film adaptation of Homer’s ancient Greek epic, the ‘Odyssey’, which is set to be directed by the acclaimed German filmmaker Fritz Lang. Paul brings his wife, Camille, a former typist, into this world, introducing her to Prokosch. An early incident occurs where Paul seems to casually encourage Camille to spend time alone with the wealthy producer, particularly by letting her ride in Prokosch’s sports car without him. After this moment, Camille’s perception of Paul changes dramatically, and she begins to feel contempt for him. A significant portion of the film unfolds during an extended sequence in Paul and Camille’s apartment, showcasing their deteriorating communication and growing emotional distance through a series of conversations, arguments, and silences. The production then moves to the scenic island of Capri, where Prokosch owns a striking modern villa. As filming for the ‘Odyssey’ movie begins amidst the beautiful landscapes, the personal tensions between Paul, Camille, and Prokosch continue to escalate.
The Cast
‘Le Mépris’ features a relatively small main cast, bringing together international actors. Michel Piccoli plays Paul Javal, the central character whose artistic compromises and personal insecurities contribute to the unraveling of his marriage. Brigitte Bardot, a major international film star at the time, portrays Camille Javal. Her character’s shifting feelings and growing disdain for Paul are crucial to the film’s emotional core.Jack Palance appears as Jeremy Prokosch, the powerful and often crude American producer, representing the commercial demands of the film industry. While Giorgia Moll plays Francesca Vanini, Prokosch’s young Italian translator, who often navigates the language barriers between the main characters.
