heroic cinema, i'd kill to make something half as valuable or incisive. what continues to inspire me is, per usual for ford, the way in which every action, notion, feeling, or value contains a dual nature. lincoln's benevolence masks an anger as his anger masks benevolence. his self-deprecation tempers his egotism as his egotism tempers self-deprecation. and so – in the same way all ford films inevitably work up from simple contradictions to those more complicated – it's by doing…

Of course Godard is critiquing the group, but that's not the same as making fun of them. A critique leaves room for growth, for improvement, for revision. It's obvious Godard loves these kids. Jeanson's argument does hold weight but he lacks Véronique's strength and that's why he will never accomplish anything. She can still do a great deal. You really think Godard is more impressed by those who run away? Hell no, he admires those who have the bravery to…