Written and directed by Jean-Luc Godard, co-written by Alberto Moravia, screenwriter Paul Javal’s marriage to his wife Camille disintegrates during movie production as she spends time with the producer. Layered conflicts between art and business ensue. Starring: Brigitte Bardot, Michel Piccoli, Jack Palance, Giorgia Moll and Fritz Lang.

In this day and age, it’s very plain to see and well known what type of person and filmmaker Jean-Luc Godard was, and Le Mépris is a pretty good example of both. Getting the negative out of the way first, the disdain for women is palpable in this film. Firstly, it feels as though Godard made this film partially out of a desire to see Brigitte Bardot with no clothes on, and he’d sadly be one of countless to have such intentions in that era of cinema. Secondly, there’s the way women are viewed and that’s perceiving them as being objects of desire and things to be owned. It’s slightly ironic that he clearly doesn’t want to put women front and centre, or give them depth but Camille (Brigitte Bardot) engulfs this story.

That said, it isn’t really much of a story, it moves back and forth between being a portrayal of the relationship between films, writers, producers and money, and following a tumultuous relationship. Both are drenched in drama and neither are particularly healthy, its exploration of filmmaking is surprisingly enthralling, while their tempest of a marriage isn’t as interesting. However, Godard is simply one of those directors that you can’t deny their talent, he knew exactly how to create a masterful visual. It makes it a real shame that aesthetically it’s incredible but the story is so unbelievably frustrating. However, the biggest surprise is Fritz Lang, both in that he agreed to be in Le Mépris and that his performance is utterly charming and sweet, it has a touch of being cheeky but also feels wise.

Outside of that, the spotlight shines on Brigitte Bardot, the film practically hinges on her every move. All of the sincerity, emotion and charged nature of the film, come from Bardot’s presence. That’s not to say Michel Piccoli and Jack Palance don’t also give great performances but it feels more as if their purpose is to be obstacles, creating that contempt. Whereas Giorgia Moll’s Francesca feels like a great addition but she’s not really given much to do, she has such a strong personality to offer but she’s basically only added to stir the pot.

Le Mépris is quintessential European cinema of the 1960s and undoubtedly Jean-Luc Godard’s direction is terrific but his story leaves a lot to be desired and through a modern lens has a bitter edge. If you’re a Godard fan or rampantly deny the existence of misogyny then you’ll absolutely love it, and even if you’re not there is still plenty to it that’s worth watching. Brigitte Bardot is wonderful, Fritz Lang is an unexpected delight and it is visually stunning. It’s just a shame that Godard’s opinion of women is glaring throughout.

Verdict: ✯✯✯ | 6/10

Released on 4K UHD for the first time on 26 June to celebrate its 60^th Anniversary, also available on DVD, Blu-ray & Digital