Notre musique

The film opens with a montage that vividly depicts the horrors of war and violence. This segment, known as 'Hell', combines both documentary and fictional footage to immerse the viewer in the grim realities of human conflict.

The narrative transitions to 'Purgatory', primarily set in an airport where Jean-Luc Godard portrays himself. He finds himself waiting for a flight to a European arts conference in Sarajevo, setting the tone for the unfolding interactions.

While at the airport, Godard encounters Ramos Garcia, a French Israeli interpreter on his way to the same conference. Ramos is filled with excitement over reuniting with his niece, Olga Brodsky, providing insights into their family dynamics.

Judith Lerner, a journalist from Tel Aviv, meets with the French ambassador at the conference. She expresses her desire for open dialogue regarding Jewish-Palestinian relations, emphasizing the need for meaningful conversations in a tense political climate.

During her exploration of the city, Judith Lerner engages in a conversation with poet Mahmoud Darwish. He shares insights on how Israel's identity profoundly influences the Palestinian struggle, adding depth to the ongoing discourse.

Judith visits the historic Mostar bridge, where she reflects on the philosophical works of Emmanuel Levinas, particularly his book *Entre Nous*. This moment captures her deep contemplation on ethics, identity, and the shared history of conflict.

At the conference, Olga attends a lecture presented by Godard focused on the connections between image and text in cinema. Godard critiques conventional filmmaking techniques, shedding light on how they can stifle character uniqueness and serve propagandistic purposes.

Following the lecture, Olga and Ramos delve into the heavy topic of suicide, exploring its philosophical implications. Their discussion exemplifies the film's overarching themes of despair and identity in the face of societal pressures.

After the conference, Godard returns to his home to care for his garden. He receives a shocking phone call from Ramos, detailing a harrowing event in which a young woman disrupted a theater, claiming to have a bomb and demanding a partner in her sacrifice for peace.

As the audience panicked and fled, the police intervened, tragically shooting the woman who only had books in her bag. This incident leaves Ramos suspecting that the woman might have been his niece, Olga, casting a shadow over the narrative.

The final segment, labeled 'Heaven', presents Olga wandering through a peaceful lakeside setting. Here, she is depicted as being watched over by American marines, contrasting sharply with the preceding turmoil.

Throughout the film, the emotional and thematic layers are enhanced by the soundtrack, which features contributions from American composer Meredith Monk. This music adds depth and resonance to the complex narrative.