Alphaville

Alphaville, une étrange aventure de Lemmy Caution

19651h 39m Directed by Jean-Luc Godard
6.9
(578 votes)
DramaScience FictionMystery

Overview

Lemmy Caution is on a mission to eliminate Professor Von Braun, the creator of a malevolent computer that rules the city of Alphaville. Befriended by the scientist’s daughter Natasha, Lemmy must unravel the mysteries of the strictly logical Alpha 60 and teach Natasha the meaning of the word “love.”

Alphaville

A Futuristic Noir: Unpacking the Timeless Allure of "Alphaville"

Maya Ellison
Maya EllisonSep 10, 2025
"Alphaville" is a film that defies easy categorization, blending elements of science fiction, mystery, and drama to create a unique cinematic experience. Released in 1965, Jean-Luc Godard's directorial effort is a thought-provoking commentary on the dehumanizing effects of technology and the importance of human emotions. The movie follows Lemmy Caution, a secret agent tasked with eliminating Professor Von Braun, the creator of the Alpha 60 computer that governs the city of Alphaville with an iron fist. As Lemmy navigates the city's sterile landscape, he befriends Natasha, the professor's daughter, and together they embark on a journey to understand the true nature of Alpha 60 and the concept of love.

The film's black-and-white cinematography and use of existing locations in Paris give "Alphaville" a distinctive noir feel, which adds to the overall sense of unease and discomfort. The city of Alphaville is portrayed as a soulless, efficient machine, where emotions are suppressed and individuality is discouraged. The Alpha 60 computer, with its cold, calculating logic, serves as a powerful symbol of the dangers of unchecked technological advancement. Godard's direction is deliberate and measured, allowing the audience to absorb the atmosphere and themes of the film. The pacing is slow and introspective, which may test the patience of some viewers, but ultimately adds to the movie's sense of depth and complexity.

One of the standout aspects of "Alphaville" is its exploration of the human condition. Through Lemmy and Natasha's relationship, the film highlights the importance of emotions, intuition, and personal connection in a world that increasingly values efficiency and logic. The character of Natasha, in particular, serves as a powerful symbol of the transformative power of human emotions, as she begins to question the strictures of her upbringing and the limitations of her father's creation. The film's themes of love, freedom, and individuality are timeless and universal, making "Alphaville" a movie that remains relevant and thought-provoking even today. While some viewers may find the film's pace and style challenging, "Alphaville" is a rich and rewarding cinematic experience that will appeal to fans of science fiction, philosophy, and classic cinema.

CAST

Eddie Constantine
Eddie Constantine
Lemmy Caution
Anna Karina
Anna Karina
Natacha von Braun
Akim Tamiroff
Akim Tamiroff
Henri Dickson
Valérie Boisgel
Valérie Boisgel
2nd Seductress Third Class (uncredited)
Jean-Louis Comolli
Jean-Louis Comolli
Prof. Jeckell (uncredited)
Michel Delahaye
Michel Delahaye
von Braun's Assistant (uncredited)
Christa Lang
Christa Lang
1st Seductress Third Class (uncredited)
Jean-Pierre Léaud
Jean-Pierre Léaud
Breakfast Waiter (uncredited)
László Szabó
László Szabó
Chief Engineer (uncredited)
Howard Vernon
Howard Vernon
Léonard von Braun (uncredited)

Trailer

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