Back to trending
Contempt

Contempt

Drama · Romance · 1963

Art film producer Jeremy Prokosch, unhappy with the work of his director, hires Fritz Lang (as himself) to direct an adaptation of The Odyssey, but when it seems that the legendary filmmaker is making a picture destined to bomb, he brings in a screenwriter to energise the script. The professional intersects with the personal when a rift develops between the writer and his wife.

Movie details

Contempt

“More bold! More brazen! And much, much more Bardot!”

1963 Drama · Romance 1h 43m

Critical arithmetic

One number, for now.

TMDB

7.0 / 10

Community rating

Art film producer Jeremy Prokosch, unhappy with the work of his director, hires Fritz Lang (as himself) to direct an adaptation of The Odyssey, but when it seems that the legendary filmmaker is making a picture destined to bomb, he brings in a screenwriter to energise the script. The professional intersects with the personal when a rift develops between the writer and his wife.

CriticWise case file

What this film says about your taste.

Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.

The archetype split

Who fights over Contempt?

The split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.

Taste neighbourhood

Nearby on the taste map.

TMDB supplies the candidates. CriticWise reorders them by craft, strangeness, prestige, emotion, and pace.

We Won't Grow Old Together

We Won't Grow Old Together

Romance · 1972

Jean, a married 40-year-old filmmaker, and his young working class lover, Catherine, engage in a circular series of spectacular blow-ups and tentative reunions, their mutual desire a fire that burns them again and again.

L'Amour fou

L'Amour fou

Romance · 1969

A troubled marriage is tested by the couple's involvement in a theatrical production of Racine’s Andromaque.

Lady J

Lady J

Drama · 2018

When a romance between a widow and a notorious libertine takes an unexpected turn, Mademoiselle de Joncquières becomes instrumental to one lover’s plans for revenge.

He Loves Me… He Loves Me Not

He Loves Me… He Loves Me Not

Drama · 2002

A talented art student named Angélique is passionately in love with Dr. Loïc Le Garrec, a handsome married man whom she believes will leave his wife. When he eventually decides to stay in his marriage, it causes Angélique to spiral. However, as the story shifts from Angélique's perspective to Loïc's, the surprising truth about their relationship is revealed.

Romeo and Juliet

Romeo and Juliet

Drama · 1968

Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet fall in love against the wishes of their feuding families. Driven by their passion, the young lovers defy their destiny and elope, only to suffer the ultimate tragedy.

The Last Letter from Your Lover

The Last Letter from Your Lover

Drama · 2021

A young journalist in London becomes obsessed with a series of letters she discovers that recounts an intense star-crossed love affair from the 1960s.

The Bridges of Madison County

The Bridges of Madison County

Drama · 1995

Photographer Robert Kincaid wanders into the life of housewife Francesca Johnson for four days in the 1960s.

Never Let Me Go

Never Let Me Go

Drama · 2010

As children, Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy spend their childhood at an idyllic and secluded English boarding school. As they grow into adults, they must come to terms with the complexity and strength of their love for one another while also preparing for the haunting reality awaiting them.

The Choice

The Choice

Drama · 2016

Travis and Gabby first meet as neighbors in a small coastal town and wind up in a relationship that is tested by life's most defining events.

Endless Love

Endless Love

Drama · 2014

A privileged girl and a charismatic boy's instant desire sparks a love affair made only more reckless by parents trying to keep them apart.

Where it lives

Watch in your region.

Cinema release signals and current streaming, rental, and purchase options for your region.

Streaming availability data supplied by JustWatch.

Names above the title

The people responsible.

Directed by

Jean-Luc Godard

Written by

Jean-Luc Godard

Brigitte Bardot

Brigitte Bardot

Camille Javal

Michel Piccoli

Michel Piccoli

Paul Javal

Jack Palance

Jack Palance

Jeremy Prokosch

Giorgia Moll

Giorgia Moll

Francesca Vanini

Fritz Lang

Fritz Lang

Fritz Lang

Raoul Coutard

Raoul Coutard

Cameraman

Jean-Luc Godard

Jean-Luc Godard

Lang's Assistant Director

Court is in session

Put Contempt on trial.

Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.

The defence The Prestige Tourist

“Sincerity is not manipulation.”

The film risks embarrassment to make emotion communal, and that openness is harder than fashionable detachment.

The prosecution The Popcorn Loyalist

“The strings are showing.”

Every cue tells you exactly what to feel and when, leaving sentiment to do the work character should have done.