(Jean-Luc Godard, 1962, France, 83 minutes)

35mm print!

As a tribute to actress Anna Karina, who died late last year, the Classic French Film Festival offers Vivre sa vie. A turning point for Jean-Luc Godard, the film remains one of his most dynamic works, combining brilliant visual design with a tragic character study. The lovely Karina, Godard’s greatest muse, plays Nana, a young Parisian who aspires to be an actress but instead ends up a prostitute, with her downward spiral depicted in a series of discrete tableaux of daydreams and dances. Featuring some of Karina and Godard’s most iconic moments — from her movie-theater vigil with The Passion of Joan of Arc to her seductive pool-hall strut — Vivre sa vie is a landmark of the French New Wave that still surprises at every turn.

With an introduction and post-film discussion by Pete Timmermann, director of the Webster University Film Series and adjunct professor of film studies at Webster University.

Please note: Classic French Film Festival prices apply, and Webster Film Series punch passes cannot be accepted for admission. Visit cinemastlouis.org for more information.