An unpublished video released by Paul Grivasdirector and nephew of Jean-Luc Godard, shows what can be considered the last record in life of the uncle. The filmmaker died earlier this month, aged 91, by assisted suicide. The images, just over 40 seconds long, were published on the platform. vimeo this Sunday the 25th.
In the video, which was recorded by the Godard, the director appears at home, smoking a cigar while facing the camera. A few seconds later, he gets up from his chair and ends the recording. In the title of the publication, the nephew wrote “Oh! Revoir”, which means “See again”, in free translation into French; a pun on the term “Au revoir”the “bye” in that language.
Swiss-French filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard died on September 13, by assisted suicide, as reported by the French newspaper liberation, from family information. “He wasn’t sick, he was just exhausted. He had made the decision to end it. It was his decision and Godard felt it was important for him to be known,” said a close friend.
Even without suffering from any disease, he chose to leave life with the help of a professional. Assisted suicide is legal in countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Spain, Canada, some states in the United States. But it can only be applied in cases of terminal and incurable diseases, which generate unbearable suffering for the patient. In Switzerland, where Godard died, these conditions are not necessarily prerequisites. There, the interpretation of “unbearable suffering” is broader.
Known for a radical and politically active filmography, Godard was among the most acclaimed directors of his generation with classic films such as harassed (À bout de souffle), which launched him on the world stage in 1960. This film, which marked his cinematic debut, revolutionized popular cinema and soon placed Godard as one of the most vital and provocative directors in the world. He rewrote the rules for camera, sound and storytelling.
Tags: Video posted nephew shows Godards record assisted suicide
