Every Man for Himself, also known as Sauve qui peut (la vie), is a 1980 French film directed by Jean-Luc Godard. The movie follows the lives of three individuals: Paul Godard (played by Jacques Dutronc), a television director who is going through a midlife crisis; Denise Rimbaud (played by Nathalie Baye), Paul's former girlfriend who is also an aspiring filmmaker and struggling financially; and Isabelle Rivière (played by Isabelle Huppert), a prostitute who is tired of her life and looking for a way out.
Paul is trying to make sense of his life after leaving his wife and child, and struggling to deal with the fact that he is no longer young. He begins a relationship with a younger woman named Valérie (played by Christine Pignet), but struggles to connect with her on a deeper level. Meanwhile, Denise is struggling to get her film project off the ground and is forced to work as a cabaret dancer to make ends meet. Isabelle is equally dissatisfied with her work as a sex worker and is trying to find a way to escape her current situation.
Throughout the film, the three characters' lives intertwine as they navigate their personal and professional struggles. The film is an exploration of the complexities of human relationships, the search for meaning in life, and the challenges of personal growth and development.
Every Man for Himself was well received by critics and is considered one of Godard's most accessible films. It is also notable for its use of experimental techniques, including overlapping dialogue, jump cuts, and hand-held camera work. The film is a thought-provoking portrayal of modern life and remains a significant work in the French New Wave movement.