Richard Linklater’s latest film, Nouvelle Vague, debuted in 2025 and has already made cinematic history with its unique production style. The film, which focuses on the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless—the hallmark film that launched the French New Wave—was shot entirely in French, in black and white, and within a 4:3 aspect ratio. This biopic highlights Godard’s journey to produce a low-budget debut about a French criminal who, while evading authorities, charms an American journalism student. Nouvelle Vague delves into the intricate production process of Breathless, capturing a vital moment in film history using the Richard Linklater Nouvelle Vague approach.
Along with its historic filmmaking choices, Nouvelle Vague stands out for its international appeal and critical success. After premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, the movie earned praise from critics, sustaining an 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Moreover, its acquisition by Netflix represents one of the streaming giant’s largest domestic deals for a foreign-language film, second only to their controversial Oscar-winning Emilia Pérez. This distribution milestone aligns with the film’s potential to become a significant contender in this year’s awards season.
Key Cast Bringing Iconic Figures of French Cinema to Life
Nouvelle Vague features a distinguished ensemble cast reuniting Richard Linklater with Zoey Deutch, who portrays Jean Seberg, the American actress in Breathless. The film introduces Aubry Dullin as Jean-Paul Belmondo, Guillaume Marbeck as Jean-Luc Godard, Bruno Drefürst embodying producer Georges de Beauregard, and Adrien Rouyard playing François Truffaut. This group of performers breathes life into an extraordinary group of artists responsible for a groundbreaking cinematic period.
Aubry Dullin, stepping into his first feature film, spoke about the responsibility he felt taking on Belmondo’s role, expressing hope that Belmondo’s family would appreciate the portrayal. Zoey Deutch shared the remarkable impression Aubry made on audiences, recalling,
“Where did Rick find Aubry? I mean, really?”
as a common question she receives, alongside inquiries about whether Dullin is related to Belmondo.
Filming on Historic Streets Added to the Film’s Authenticity
The production of Nouvelle Vague embraced authenticity by filming several sequences in Paris locations historically connected to Breathless. Aubry Dullin recounted how shooting Michel Poiccard’s death scene took place on the very street where the original Breathless moment was captured. This immersive experience transported the actors back in time, highlighting the film’s effort to mirror the original French New Wave aura. Zoey Deutch described the setting near Montparnasse Cemetery as particularly evocative, where they also conducted photo shoots.
Deutch recalled a touching interaction during a marketing photo session near that street, where an elderly woman recognized the crew from the Breathless scene re-creation. Deutch called this encounter
“a very sweet moment that she loved,”
underscoring how the film’s production connected with the local community and history in a meaningful way.
Exploring the Complex Relationship Between Jean Seberg and Jean-Paul Belmondo
The dynamic between Jean Seberg and Jean-Paul Belmondo, central to Breathless, offered inspiration for Nouvelle Vague’s interpretation of their relationship. Zoey Deutch revealed that the film takes some creative liberties in portraying their connection, acknowledging,
“We know that they had deep adoration, and they really liked each other, but we embellished on that a bit and thought it’d be fun to play with.”
This approach balances historical fact with imaginative storytelling to deepen the emotional resonance of the characters’ bond.
Aubry Dullin and Zoey Deutch demonstrated genuine chemistry during filming and between takes, which reflects the iconic energy that made Breathless enduringly influential. This enhanced portrayal invites viewers to engage with the characters on a more intimate level, adding fresh perspective to a well-known cinematic story.
Guillaume Marbeck on Capturing Early Jean-Luc Godard’s Vision
Guillaume Marbeck, portraying Jean-Luc Godard before his rise to international fame, discussed the intricate challenge of embodying a visionary filmmaker whose groundbreaking style was just beginning to take shape. Marbeck noted,
“It’s the moment when you think you have a vision that could make something new and that could excite people, but you are not very sure that [it will be watched].”
Capturing this uncertainty was essential to presenting Godard as a creative force stepping into the unknown.
He emphasized Godard’s struggle to secure commitment from his crew and maintain trust in his artistic approach, a tension that underscores the film’s narrative of youthful ambition fused with creative risk-taking. This depiction grounds the movie not just in nostalgia but in the real pressures Godard faced during this crucial moment.
Richard Linklater Reflects on the Intersection of Nouvelle Vague and Blue Moon
Richard Linklater observed an intriguing connection between Nouvelle Vague and his earlier film Blue Moon, which also explores a pivotal moment within the artistic world.
“One’s about the beginning of a career. Nouvelle Vague is the beginning of an incredible artistic career, and Blue Moon’s about the end of one,”
Linklater explained. He highlighted how these films, released simultaneously, converse with each other thematically, portraying both the dawn and dusk of creative journeys.
Linklater praised Jean-Luc Godard for his enduring artistic spirit despite shifting times and challenges, remarking on how Godard’s cinematic language remained unique and vibrant throughout his lifetime. This reflection offers context for Nouvelle Vague’s portrayal of Godard’s early bold experiments, emphasizing the volatility and unpredictability inherent to an artist’s path.
Depicting Godard’s Unconventional Directing Methods and Seberg’s Freedom
Marbeck detailed Godard’s unconventional directing style and its impact on Jean Seberg’s performance. To capture reality, Godard would intentionally withhold instructions from the actor, creating spontaneous moments on set that defied traditional rehearsed acting. Marbeck described this:
“Okay, I’m going to tell her that I’m not going to tell her, and we’ll see what’s going to happen.”
This approach liberated Seberg from overly controlled methods, fostering a creative freedom that the actress later reflected on positively.
Linklater further explained Godard’s demand for authenticity, noting how this was challenging for actors trained to rely on scripts and character outlines.
“Is there a script? Who’s my character?”
are typical questions actors ask, but Godard’s method required Seberg to bring her unfiltered self to the role. Through this spontaneity and the charisma of Seberg and Belmondo, Godard managed to produce a cinematic marvel that, against odds, became a classic.
Nouvelle Vague Streaming on Netflix Marks New Milestones
Nouvelle Vague became available for streaming on Netflix on November 14, expanding its reach to a global audience eager to explore this landmark film era. This release represents not only a momentous opportunity for Richard Linklater and the cast but also highlights Netflix’s role in promoting diverse, foreign-language films with historical significance. The movie’s high-profile acquisition and critical acclaim suggest it may reshape how cinephiles revisit the French New Wave legacy and influence future biographical portrayals of film history.
