Richard Linklater‘s Nouvelle Vague, premiering on Netflix on November 14, revives the spirit of the iconic French New Wave through the story of Jean-Luc Godard’s groundbreaking film Breathless. Following the success of his 2024 romantic crime comedy Hit Man and his biographical dramedy Blue Moon, Linklater offers a fresh, historically infused comedy-drama that captures the youthful energy behind one of cinema’s most transformative movements.
An Intimate Look at the Birth of Breathless
Nouvelle Vague depicts the unconventional making of Breathless, focusing on the dynamic interactions between director Jean-Luc Godard and lead actors Jean-Paul Belmondo and Jean Seberg. The film’s distinctive black-and-white 4:3 presentation highlights the playful camaraderie between these pioneers of French cinema, emphasizing their shared daring vision. Seberg, portrayed by Zoey Deutch, is shown teasing Godard (Guillaume Marbeck) in a lively Paris diner scene, while Aubrey Dullin embodies Belmondo’s charismatic presence as he smokes a cigarette, capturing the spontaneous atmosphere felt by the team.
Linklater’s portrayal reveals how Godard, initially a film critic, embraced chaos and innovation by rejecting traditional filmmaking rules. Without a formal script and with frequent changes made on the spot, Godard and his collaborators crafted a film that defied conventional continuity, ultimately shaping a new artistic freedom that influenced generations of filmmakers.
A Tribute to the Magic and Impact of French Cinema
Described as a
love letter to the spellbinding magic of French cinema
Nouvelle Vague honors the vibrant creative spirit behind Breathless, which not only brought Godard international fame but also redefined the cinematic landscape of the late 1950s. The film explores Godard’s transition from critic to director on the streets of Paris in 1959, highlighting his partnership with the unconventional stars Seberg and Belmondo, whose chemistry and youthful energy symbolized the movement’s innovative streak.
Critical Acclaim Following the Cannes Film Festival Premiere
Nouvelle Vague premiered at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year, where it attracted praise as a potential Palme d’Or contender. Crafted from a screenplay by Holly Gent, Vincent Palmo Jr., Michèle Halberstadt, and Laetitia Masson, and produced by Laurent Pétin and Michèle Pétin, the film was widely celebrated for how it captured the essence of Godard’s classic work and celebrated the art of filmmaking.
Jason Gorber of Collider captured the film’s impact, stating,
Linklater and his collaborators have presented that rare film that reminds you why you love films in the first place, one that unabashedly encourages you to embrace being a cinémaniac.
The Lasting Influence of Nouvelle Vague on Cinema
By revisiting the making of Breathless, Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague offers a reflective yet spirited homage to a pivotal moment in cinematic history. The film not only entertains but also reinvigorates appreciation for the revolutionary aspects of French New Wave cinema and its enduring legacy. As it becomes available on Netflix, audiences will have the opportunity to reconnect with the raw creativity and rule-breaking energy that redefined filmmaking and inspired countless artists worldwide.
