Richard Linklater’s new film, Nouvelle Vague, centers on the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s 1960 debut feature, Breathless, capturing a pivotal moment in cinema history. Featuring actor Guillaume Marbeck as Godard, the movie is primarily in French and examines the creative and chaotic process behind one of the most revolutionary films of the French New Wave movement, which unfolded around Paris in the late 1950s and early 1960s.
Portrait of a Visionary in the Midst of a Film Revolution
The film opens in 1959 as Godard, portrayed by Guillaume Marbeck, is restless and eager to make his first feature after others like François Truffaut have already made their mark at prestigious festivals such as Cannes. Truffaut, Godard’s friend and professional rival, is about to premiere his coming-of-age classic The 400 Blows, while Godard grapples with the pressure of directing a groundbreaking film. His ambitions, influenced by American and Italian cinema and prolific film theory, drive him to diverge from traditional filmmaking to craft something entirely new. The context of the Cahiers du cinéma critics-turned-filmmakers is crucial here, as they helped initiate the French New Wave, blending theory with practice.
The Making of Breathless: Assembling an Unconventional Team and Approach
Godard’s project to create Breathless benefits from major French New Wave figures collaborating on a high-stakes, all-star production. Georges de Beauregard agrees to produce, provided Godard uses a crime film outline by Truffaut, with Claude Chabrol as artistic adviser. Godard’s crew includes Raoul Coutard, the rugged cinematographer brought to life by Matthieu Penchinat, as well as lead actors Jean-Paul Belmondo, played by Aubry Dullin, and Jean Seberg, depicted by Zoey Deutch. Production commences without a finalized script or schedule, revealing a disorganized but inspired workflow that stretches over 20 days, during which Godard experiments relentlessly, frequently abandoning scenes early.
Creative Struggles and Collaborative Triumphs Behind the Scenes
Nouvelle Vague highlights the tensions and doubts present among cast and crew, including a producer who is constantly pressing Godard, and Jean Seberg’s confusion about her involvement. Despite this, Godard’s persistence never wavers. His often erratic behavior—intense, stubborn, and driven by his vision—creates dramatic and comedic moments. The film illustrates Godard’s revolutionary techniques, such as stealthily filming on Paris streets with hidden cameras, limiting takes, and pioneering jump cuts, all of which culminate in a style that transforms cinema.
Filming Choices That Reflect and Honor Godard’s Legacy
Linklater honors Godard’s aesthetic by shooting Nouvelle Vague on 35mm film in black-and-white, adhering to the 1.33:1 aspect ratio used in Breathless. However, the film’s tone and style lean toward simplicity and warmth, channeling influences from Truffaut’s films like The 400 Blows and Day for Night rather than Godard’s own experimental spirit. This straightforward approach allows Godard’s character and personality to resonate strongly, offering a vivid impression of the driving force behind the French New Wave rather than mimicking its stylistic complexities.
An Affectionate Celebration for Cinema Enthusiasts
Nouvelle Vague serves as a light-hearted yet intense tribute to Godard and his groundbreaking circle, including legendary figures like François Truffaut, Claude Chabrol, Éric Rohmer, Jacques Rivette, and Agnès Varda. The film embraces the energy, uncertainty, and rebelliousness at the heart of this cinematic revolution, delivering a story that is as much about the creative process as it is about the art itself. Linklater’s experience in making engaging, character-driven movies shines through, offering cinephiles a charming and insightful experience without losing sight of historical detail.
Key Players Who Bring the Story to Life
Guillaume Marbeck’s portrayal of Jean-Luc Godard anchors the film, while Zoey Deutch embodies Jean Seberg, providing an emotional counterpoint to Godard’s intensity. The roles of Raoul Coutard (Matthieu Penchinat), Jean-Paul Belmondo (Aubry Dullin), and other collaborators reflect the collective effort that defined this pioneering era. The intertwining of talent behind and in front of the camera reveals the communal nature of the Nouvelle Vague’s creation, emphasizing the interplay of influence and innovation among these legendary filmmakers.
