Richard Linklater returns to a pivotal era in cinema history with Nouvelle Vague, a black-and-white, French-language film that dramatizes the emergence of the 1960s French New Wave. The story focuses on a young Jean-Luc Godard, portrayed by Guillaume Marbeck, alongside Jean Seberg, played by Zoey Deutch, and features Aubry Dullin as Jean-Paul Belmondo. The film highlights the creative spark behind this revolution in filmmaking, immersing audiences in the vibrant world of late-1950s Paris.
Authentic Casting and Production Enhance the Film’s Atmosphere
Alongside the leads, the cast includes Adrien Rouyard, Antoine Besson, Jodie Ruth Forest, Bruno Dreyfürst, Benjamin Clery, and Matthieu Penchinat. Shot in the traditional 4:3 aspect ratio and rendered in crisp black-and-white by cinematographer David Chambille, the film evokes the original visual style of the era. Meticulous production design by Katia Wyszkop and costumes by Pascaline Chavanne recreate the texture and feel of Paris during the heady days of 1959.
Premiering at Cannes earlier this year, Nouvelle Vague received a prolonged standing ovation and was hailed as one of Linklater’s most daring artistic endeavors to date.
Zoey Deutch’s Transformation into Jean Seberg Captures Historical Nuance
Zoey Deutch shared in a Vanity Fair interview how deeply she immersed herself in portraying Jean Seberg, a role she has aspired to for nearly ten years. Deutch learned French, altered her appearance, and worked to channel Seberg’s enigmatic blend of vulnerability and strength. She said,
“I totally fell in love with her,”
—Zoey Deutch, Actress
“She was very mysterious, which I feel is the opposite of me—I’m the least mysterious person, and I worried about how to tap into that.”
—Zoey Deutch, Actress
Filming in Paris with a primarily French cast and crew intensified Deutch’s connection to the role. She emphasized the shared insecurities she and Seberg experienced during the making of Breathless:
“Seberg was learning French while acting in ‘Breathless’ and felt very insecure. That really helped me, because I was also insecure about my French.”
—Zoey Deutch, Actress
Depiction of a Cinematic Revolution Through a Personal Lens
Nouvelle Vague is described as Richard Linklater’s affectionate tribute to French cinema’s transformative power. It chronicles the making of Godard’s groundbreaking film Breathless, celebrating the youthful energy and creative freedom that defined the French New Wave. With an ensemble cast bringing Godard’s spontaneous and rule-breaking filmmaking to life, the film transports viewers to the streets of 1959 Paris, highlighting cinema’s ability to inspire and transform.
Upcoming Releases and Crew Behind the Scenes
This film marks one of two releases from Linklater scheduled for 2025, the other being Blue Moon, a long-anticipated project starring Ethan Hawke and Margaret Qualley, which has already attracted attention at fall film festivals. The creative team behind Nouvelle Vague includes writers Holly Gent, Vincent Palmo Jr., Michèle Halberstadt, and Laetitia Masson. Producers Laurent Pétin and Michèle Pétin, along with editor Catherine Schwartz, round out the core production crew.
Release Schedule and Availability
Nouvelle Vague will open in theaters in France on October 8, followed by a U.S. theatrical release on October 31. The film will subsequently be available globally on Netflix starting November 14, offering broad access for international audiences eager to experience Linklater’s tribute to a cinematic milestone.
Significance of the Film in Today’s Cinema Landscape
Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague revives the spirit of the French New Wave, emphasizing the importance of innovation and youthful creativity in film. By authentically portraying Jean-Luc Godard and his collaborators, Linklater not only honors a groundbreaking moment but also invites modern viewers to reflect on cinema’s enduring influence. This project reasserts cinema’s role as a dynamic art form capable of reshaping cultural narratives and inspiring future filmmakers worldwide.
