If you happen to be an aspiring cinephile, intent on exploring the work of the greatest filmmakers, but have thus far been intimidated by the often thorny resume of one Jean-Luc Godard, take heart. This weekend, the Northwest Film Center is screening a new digital restoration of Godard’s 1965’s “Band of Outsiders,” the best possible entry point to Godard’s world. (For goodness’ sake, at least don’t start with his newer stuff!)
It’s a caper film, a tribute to the Hollywood B-movies so beloved by the French New Wave crew, and a comedy (until it’s not). It features the luminous, adorable Anna Karina, the suavely handsome Sami Frey, and the rough but charming Claude Brasseur as three corners of a classic love triangle. And then there’s that iconic dance scene.