Godard's debut film, A bout de souffle (Breathless) established him as one of the world's most vital and provocative directors, both in Europe and beyond. Jean-Paul Belmondo rose to fame thanks to his films. When Pope John Paul II condemned Godard's controversial modern nativity play Hail Mary in 1985, it made headlines. RIP Jean-Luc Godard: From Ranveer Singh to Farhan Akhtar, Bollywood Celebs Extend Condolences on Demise of Legendary French Film Director.