Breathless Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Richard Gere steals a car, accidentally becomes a cop killer, and then tries to seduce a French exchange student while on the run, all while sporadically quoting Silver Surfer comics.

🍿 Breathless: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Crime and the Run

Jesse Lujack (Richard Gere), a charismatic drifter with a penchant for petty crime, steals a car in Las Vegas to drive to Los Angeles to see Monica (Valérie Kaprisky), a French architecture student he barely knows. During the drive, he is pulled over by a highway patrolman, and in a moment of reckless abandon, shoots and kills the officer. Now a fugitive, Jesse arrives in Los Angeles and seeks out Monica. Unaware of his crime, Monica is initially drawn to Jesse’s rebellious nature and his infatuation with her.

A Love on the Run

Jesse conceals his crime from Monica as they spend time together, engaging in impulsive and often reckless behavior. Monica is torn between her attraction to Jesse and her desire for a stable life, represented by her studies and potential relationship with her professor. As the police close in, Jesse’s actions become increasingly desperate. He attempts to secure money and make plans to escape to Mexico with Monica, further complicating their relationship.

The Walls Close In

Monica eventually learns about Jesse’s crime and must confront the reality of his dangerous lifestyle. She grapples with her feelings for him and the consequences of running away together. The police intensify their search, and Jesse becomes more erratic. The couple’s relationship is strained as Monica questions her loyalty and future with Jesse.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jesse Lujack (Richard Gere): A charismatic but reckless car thief who accidentally kills a police officer and tries to convince his French girlfriend to flee to Mexico with him.
• Monica Poiccard (Valérie Kaprisky): A French architecture student torn between her attraction to Jesse and her desire for a stable life.
• Lt. Parmental (John P. Ryan): The determined police lieutenant relentlessly pursuing Jesse after the cop killing.
• Birnbaum (Art Metrano): An acquaintance of Jesse’s.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jesse: “I think maybe I was rolling dice when I should have been rolling you.” – Jesse uses this cheesy line to charm Monica at the pool.
• Jesse: “Adios, beautiful.” – Jesse says this to Monica before he is shot in the final scene.
• Lt. Parmental: “Don’t F-U-C-K with the LAPD!” – Lt. Parmental shouts this as a warning, emphasizing the seriousness of Jesse’s actions.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $7,500,000
• Domestic Gross: $19,910,002
• Worldwide Gross: $19,910,002

💥 Breathless Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this movie as a teenager and being completely mesmerized by Richard Gere’s energy. He just explodes off the screen! Sure, the plot is a bit cheesy, but the whole vibe of 80s LA, the music, and the way Gere commits to the role makes it so watchable. It’s a total guilty pleasure, and I still find myself humming the songs from the soundtrack after all these years. That pool scene? Unforgettable.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of Richard Gere.”
  • “Viewers interested in 1980s neo-noir films.”
  • “Those who appreciate stylized crime dramas.”
  • “People interested in remakes of classic films, particularly French New Wave.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence.”
  • “Sexual content and nudity.”
  • “Drug use.”
  • “Strong language.”
  • “Brief Male Frontal Nudity”

Professional Reviews

• IMDB: “Critics were harsh in 1983, but this remake of Godard’s ‘Breathless’ is luridly fun and has aged well. Richard Gere’s charisma makes Jesse LuJack both repulsive and likable, and Valerie Kaprisky’s sex appeal is undeniable. It’s an enjoyable, steamy ride despite not being a classic.
• Amazon: “One reviewer aptly referred to this film as Gere doing his “early-80s cheeseball riff on the sexiest man alive.” It doesn’t hold up under criticism, and certainly there is plenty to dislike, starting with the relentlessly sociopathic behavior of its protagonist. However, Los Angeles is captured in its beauty, heat and diversity.
• FilmCritic: “While it’s undeniably stylish with its neo-noir aesthetic and energetic performances, the film struggles to justify its existence. Gere, though charismatic, borders on obnoxious. The plot feels stretched thin, and the ending lacks the punch it aims for.

Audience Reactions

Richard Gere’s performance is captivating, making the unlikeable character surprisingly relatable.: Viewers appreciated the energetic soundtrack and the film’s ability to capture a specific 80s aesthetic.

Valerie Kaprisky is beautiful and sexy.: Valerie Kaprisky’s performance gives movie more than it is.

Overall Consensus: A stylish but flawed remake that is regarded as a guilty pleasure for its energetic performances and 80s vibe.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The film is a remake of Jean-Luc Godard’s 1960 French New Wave classic, ‘À bout de souffle’.”
• “Richard Gere was reportedly very involved in the selection of Valerie Kaprisky for the role of Monica.”
• “Michael Mann initially worked on the screenplay but left the project to direct ‘The Keep’ (1983).”

🖥️ How to Watch Breathless?

Breathless (1983) is available to rent or buy on various platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and other major digital retailers. Check your local listings for availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Breathless, you might like these similar films:

• Bonnie and Clyde (1967): Similar theme of young lovers on the run from the law, capturing a sense of rebellious romance.
• Gun Crazy (1950): A classic film noir about a couple whose love leads them down a path of crime; they are shown watching it in a theater.
• American Gigolo (1980): Also starring Richard Gere, explores similar themes of crime, romance, and identity against the backdrop of Los Angeles.
• True Romance (1993): A modern take on the crime/romance genre with a similar sense of heightened style and a couple on the run.

🛒 Breathless Related Products

• Breathless (1983) – Movie Poster: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster, perfect for fans of the film or 80s cinema.
• Richard Gere: An Unauthorized Biography: A biography that chronicles Richard Gere’s rise to stardom, featuring Breathless.
• Silver Surfer Epic Collection: Resurrection: A collection of classic Silver Surfer comics, as referenced in the film.
• Breathless (1960) [Blu-ray]: The digitally remastered version of the original Jean-Luc Godard film, which provides context for Breathless.

🎧 Soundtrack

Breathless features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Breathless” – performed by Jerry Lee Lewis
• “Suspicious Minds” – performed by Elvis Presley
• “Jack the Ripper” – performed by Link Wray

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Breathless: How World War II Changed Cinema

Ever wondered how WWII changed cinema? This video uses Breathless to show you, and honestly, it’s a super interesting take you might not have considered!

3 Things ‘Breathless’ Teaches Us About Filmmaking

Breathless is super influential, but what can it actually *teach* you about filmmaking? This video breaks it down in a way that’s easy to understand, even if you’re not a film buff (like me!).

The MOST BEAUTIFUL SHOTS of JEAN LUC GODARD Movies

Want a quick visual feast of Godard’s best shots? This video is a beautiful tribute to his films, including Breathless – prepare to be amazed by his iconic style!

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