Every Man for Himself Blu-ray Review

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Jean-Luc Godard's "Every Man for Himself" features a commendable 1080p high-definition transfer, presented in its original 1.66:1 aspect ratio. Mastered from the 35mm original camera negative using a Spirit DataCine film scanner, the transfer benefited from meticulous supervision by Andre Labbouz at Gaumont, Paris, and color grading by Giovanni Zimolo at Eclair Laboratories, Epinay-sur-Seine. This careful restoration ensured stable and natural colors throughout the film, and overall image stability that exceeds expectations with no large cuts, debris, stains, scratches, or warps. The presentation captures excellent depth and clarity, especially in well-lit close-ups, revealing striking details down to individual hairs and minute textures.

The video transfer is generally praiseworthy but not without its minor issues. While wide panoramic shots exhibit good fluidity, certain areas show inconsistencies with grain management. Grain is mostly well-handled but occasionally appears heavier or softer in different segments, potentially due to Criterion's attempts at degraining which led to slight softening of the image. Despite this, it never becomes too distracting and maintains the film's organic appearance well. The blacks are rendered deeply and accurately, and skin tones are natural with no significant encoding or compression anomalies reported. Colors, particularly reds, are balanced and saturated prominently, adding vibrancy to the visuals. Overall, the high-definition transfer breathes new life into this classic with an image that remains true to its original look while providing a modern viewing experience that captivates cinephiles.

(Note: This Blu-ray is Region-A locked; ensure you have compatible playback equipment.)

The Blu-ray release of "Every Man for Himself" features a French LPCM 1.0 audio track that, despite its mono format, provides an impressive auditory experience. This mono track was meticulously remastered at 24-bit from the original 35mm sound negative, ensuring removal of hiss, pops, cracks, and other distortions. The soundtrack, composed by Gabriel Yared, is presented with great fidelity, although it uniquely balances music with ambient sounds and noises. Dialog is consistently crisp, stable, and easy to understand, without any audio dropouts or digital distortions. The optional English subtitles provided by Criterion are excellent, aiding in accessibility without compromising the original auditory intent.

This release succeeds in delivering a well-balanced soundscape that captivates the listener. The score by Yared seamlessly integrates with the film, enhancing emotional moments without overshadowing dialogue or sound effects. Each element of the track is presented with clarity and precision; the LFE is commendable and the dynamic range broad. Criterion's attention to detail has allowed for an audio experience that remains faithful to the original source while providing a polished and engaging listening experience.

The Blu Ray extras for "Every Man for Himself" form a significant collection that illuminates the creative processes and production history behind Jean-Luc Godard's iconic film. This compilation of professional and archival materials offers viewers a comprehensive view into Godard's artistic vision, as well as the critical reception and production nuances of the film. Highlights include interviews with key collaborators, an analysis of thematic elements, and historical artifacts like trailers and television appearances. The thorough curation of these features ensures an enriching experience for both cinema enthusiasts and scholars.

Extras included in this disc:

• Restored Original French Trailer: Presented with optional English subtitles.
• Godard 1980: Jean-Luc Godard discusses the film's commercial and political dimensions.
• Scenario de Sauve qui peut (la vie): Godard's submission video for securing film financing.
• Sound, Image, and Every Man for Himself: Colin MacCabe’s video essay on Godard's filmmaking techniques.
• Jean-Luc Godard on The Dick Cavett Show:
  • Promo
  • Episode 1
  • Episode 2
• Interviews:
  • Marin Karmitz: Professional relationship with Godard.
  • Isabelle Huppert: Recollections of working with Godard.
  • Nathalie Baye: Directing methods and film reactions.
  • Renato Berta and William Lubtchansky: Cinematographers' contributions.
  • Gabriel Yared: Composition of the film's soundtrack.
• Illustrated Leaflet: Featuring an essay by Amy Taubin.

Every Man for Himself, directed by Jean-Luc Godard, signifies a crucial pivot in the auteur’s career, transitioning from his radical 1960s style to a more traditional narrative form. This film was nominated for the prestigious Palme d'Or Award at Cannes in 1980 and is often described by Godard as his "second first film." The story revolves around three characters - Paul, Denise, and Isabelle - who reevaluate their life choices amidst personal and professional turmoil. Godard deftly integrates elements of slow motion and non-linear sound design to reflect the unpredictability and randomness of real life, effectively manipulating the audience's perception of narrative time and reality.

Paul Godard, a television director portrayed by Jacques Dutronc, grapples with emotional distance in his relationships while striving to fulfill his roles as a father and husband. Denise (Nathalie Baye), his partner and talented film editor, chooses to isolate herself in the countryside to regain clarity away from Paul's moodiness. Meanwhile, Isabelle (Isabelle Huppert), a seasoned call girl, seeks independence despite her profession's inherent abuses. Godard treats these intertwining lives as three distinct yet intersecting narratives, highlighting the solitary journeys each character undertakes to redefine their existence and choose new paths.

Much like the slow motion technique that punctuates pivotal moments in the film, sound in Every Man for Himself is manipulated to underscore the characters' internal experiences and their impact on perceived reality. From overlapping noises to abrupt silence, these auditory choices serve as metaphors for life's uncontrollable disruptions. With a screenplay co-written by Anne-Marie Miéville and Jean-Claude Carrière, complemented by Gabriel Yared's evocative soundtrack, Godard crafts a film that examines the profound questions of autonomy and self-determination within the familiar framework of human frailty. This film exemplifies Godard’s influence on modern cinema, even inspiring directors like Quentin Tarantino in their thematic complexity and narrative experimentation.

Every Man for Himself is a quintessential Jean-Luc Godard film that stands out as both evocative and compelling. The Criterion Collection has handled the Blu Ray release with their typical finesse, delivering a presentation that does justice to Godard’s profound vision. The video quality is exceptional, preserving the original film grain and colors with remarkable clarity, while the audio is crisp, fulfilling the director's intricate soundscapes. Every frame feels meticulously restored, enhancing the viewer's immersion into the film's multifaceted narrative and visual splendor.

The supplemental features included in this edition are impressively curated and provide an expansive insight into both the film and Godard’s creative process. These extras range from in-depth interviews, commentaries, to behind-the-scenes footage. They collectively enhance the understanding and appreciation for the film, offering valuable context that both casual viewers and ardent cinephiles will find enriching. The features also ensure a comprehensive exploration of Godard’s thematic concerns and stylistic innovations, reaffirming Criterion’s reputation for excellence in home media releases.

Even if you only have a passing interest in the work of French director Jean-Luc Godard, I urge you consider adding Criterion's release of his Every Man for Himself to your collection. It has one of the very best selections of supplemental features that I have seen assembled for a catalog release. The film is hypnotically perverse but at times also irresistibly funny, surprisingly lyrical but still thought-provoking. As far as I am concerned, it remains one of the most enjoyable in Godard's post-Nouvelle Vague oeuvre. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.