Pierrot Le Fou

Even those who don’t know what “Godardian” means should find something that strikes their interest in Jean-Luc Godard’s satirical adventure Pierrot Le Fou. The 1965 French New Wave flick follows bored husband Ferdinand, who ditches his snooty society wife and kids for a life of intrigue with Marianne, the babysitter. Marianne is involved in some shady business, and she ushers Ferdinand (or “Pierrot,” as she calls him) into her mobster world, complete with car theft, kidnapping and, strangely enough, musical numbers. Godard claims to have made the movie without a script, which would explain the film’s practically nonexistent plot. Some have speculated it’s meant to be Ferdinand’s fantasy or dream, as action starts and stops seemingly without purpose. Despite the wacky chaos, you can appreciate the film’s experimental style and Godard’s critique of commercialism (in one scene, guests at an elite party speak only in advertising slogans). A new 35-millimeter print will be screened at 7 p.m. today and Sunday, as well as Friday, Saturday and Sunday next week. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, 1001 Bissonnet. For tickets and information, call 713-639-7515 or visit www.mfah.org. $6 to $7.
Fri., Nov. 9, 7 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 11, 7 p.m.; Nov. 16-18, 7 p.m., 2007