Vivre Sa Vie (1962) Original UK Quad Cinema Poster — 2002 BFI Reissue

Vivre Sa Vie (1962)

Original UK Quad Cinema Poster — BFI Reissue

A beautifully restrained British quad produced for the BFI theatrical reissue of Jean-Luc Godard’s Vivre Sa Vie, this poster is a modern classic in its own right — a piece that bridges French New Wave cinema and contemporary exhibition design with confidence and clarity.

Issued to promote the film’s UK return to cinemas, this quad utilises striking, high-contrast imagery of Anna Karina against a bold, typographic street-poster collage backdrop. The design is unmistakably Godardian: graphic, confrontational, and intellectually cool, while remaining grounded in the film’s themes of identity, performance, and alienation. The palette and composition deliberately echo European art-house aesthetics rather than traditional commercial poster design, making this a standout piece even among BFI releases.

Unlike standard mass-market reprints, this is a genuine cinema-issued UK quad, produced specifically for theatrical display during the BFI-backed run. It was never sold commercially at the time and exists solely as an exhibition artefact — a key distinction for collectors.

Film Background

Released in 1962, Vivre Sa Vie (My Life to Live) is one of the defining works of the French New Wave. Structured as twelve episodic tableaux, the film follows Nana (Anna Karina) through a stark, emotionally detached portrait of life, choice, and consequence. Its influence on modern cinema is immeasurable, and Karina’s performance remains one of the most iconic in European film history.

BFI reissues of Godard titles were handled with notable curatorial care, resulting in posters that respect the film’s legacy while standing as compelling graphic objects in their own right.

Poster Details

• Title: Vivre Sa Vie (It’s My Life)

• Year of Film: 1962

• Release: 2002 BFI UK theatrical reissue

• Format: UK Quad (30 x 40 inches), Single-Sided, Rolled

• Origin: United Kingdom

• Type: Original cinema-issued poster (BFI release)

• Condition: Listed in Very Fine condition with some minor handling wear

• Authenticity: Guaranteed original — not a reproduction or modern decorative print

Collector Notes

BFI-issued UK quads occupy a unique niche: contemporary enough to display beautifully, yet scarce enough to retain genuine collector credibility. This Vivre Sa Vie quad is especially desirable due to its strong visual design, cultural significance, and enduring appeal to collectors of French New Wave, Godard, and Anna Karina material.

An elegant, intellectually charged poster that rewards close viewing — equally at home in a serious film collection or a refined interior display.