Meaning: The quote "I don't think you should feel about a film. You should feel about a woman, not a movie. You can't kiss a movie." by Jean-Luc Godard, a renowned French-Swiss film director, reflects his distinctive approach to filmmaking and his emphasis on the human experience. This quote is a testament to Godard's belief in the importance of human emotions and relationships as the core elements of cinema.

Jean-Luc Godard is a central figure in the French New Wave movement, a revolutionary period in cinema during the late 1950s and 1960s. This movement sought to redefine the conventions of traditional filmmaking, embracing a more personal and innovative approach to storytelling and visual style. Godard's films often explore themes of love, relationships, and the complexities of human emotions, reflecting his belief in the primacy of the human experience in cinema.

In the context of this quote, Godard is expressing the idea that the emotional impact of a film should stem from its portrayal of human characters and relationships rather than from the film itself as an abstract entity. He suggests that the true essence of cinema lies in its ability to evoke genuine emotions and connections with the characters portrayed on screen. By emphasizing the importance of feeling about a woman rather than a movie, Godard highlights the human dimension of storytelling and the significance of empathy and emotional resonance in cinema.

Furthermore, Godard's reference to kissing a movie underscores his belief in the tangible and visceral nature of human emotions. A movie, as an inanimate object, cannot reciprocate or evoke the same emotional responses as a living, breathing person. Therefore, Godard's statement serves as a reminder of the inherent limitations of cinema as a medium, while also emphasizing its potential to stir profound emotional experiences through its portrayal of human stories and relationships.

This quote also aligns with Godard's innovative and unconventional approach to filmmaking. Throughout his career, Godard has been known for pushing the boundaries of cinematic language and challenging traditional narrative structures. By prioritizing the emotional connection to characters over the film itself, Godard encourages audiences to engage with cinema on a more intimate and personal level, transcending the boundaries of conventional storytelling and inviting a deeper, more empathetic understanding of the human experience.

In summary, Jean-Luc Godard's quote encapsulates his belief in the primacy of human emotions and relationships in cinema. By urging audiences to feel about a woman, not a movie, Godard emphasizes the profound impact of authentic human experiences and emotions in storytelling. This perspective reflects the enduring influence of the French New Wave movement and Godard's commitment to redefining the art of cinema through a deeply humanistic lens.