Richard Linklater, often recognized for his unique take on time and relationships, is once again showcasing his versatility as an experimental filmmaker through his latest film, Nouvelle Vague, now available on Netflix. The new project immerses viewers in the world of the French New Wave, spotlighting Jean-Luc Godard’s groundbreaking debut, Breathless, which remains a cornerstone in cinematic history.
Linklater’s New Direction: Channeling the French New Wave
In 2025, Richard Linklater expands his repertoire by focusing on transformative periods in artists’ lives, examining the journeys of both Broadway lyricist Lorenz Hart in Blue Moon and Jean-Luc Godard in Nouvelle Vague. Nouvelle Vague serves as a creative homage to the energy and rebellious spirit that defined the French New Wave, particularly as experienced through Godard’s work at the famed film criticism publication Cahiers du cinéma. In this exploration, Guillaume Marbeck embodies Godard, while Zoey Deutch takes on the role of Breathless star Jean Seberg.
Although Linklater hails from Texas and was not raised amid the French film movement, the lasting influence of this era echoes in the artistry of filmmakers everywhere and shapes the fundamental language of cinema. The film draws clear parallels to Linklater’s own Before Sunrise, offering a warm portrayal of creative awakening, reminiscent of the friendships and restless ambition that spurred the New Wave’s giants from cinephiles to directors.
“Breathless”: A Bold Statement from a New Generation
Nouvelle Vague delves into Godard’s rapid progression from critic to filmmaker, focusing on his late entry among Cahiers du cinéma’s band of outsiders. As chronicled on screen, Breathless captures the urgent, audacious energy of someone determined to reshape the art of filmmaking. The character Michel Poiccard, portrayed by Jean-Paul Belmondo, serves as a stand-in for Godard’s irreverence, challenging norms while fleeing consequences after a series of crimes.
Patricia Franchini, played by Jean Seberg, represents the ideal muse—an American journalism student swept up in Michel’s escapades. Breathless distinguishes itself not by lofty thematic ambitions but by its anarchic style and challenge to established cinematic conventions. The dynamic between its leads mirrors the generational pushback unique to the era, providing a compelling counterpoint to French New Wave classics like The 400 Blows and Cléo from 5 to 7.
The Lasting Influence and Craft of “Breathless”
Today, the innovative techniques of Breathless—fragmented jump cuts, guerrilla-style handheld shots—might seem routine, thanks to decades of filmmakers influenced by Godard’s formal experimentation. Directors such as Martin Scorsese have openly drawn upon Godard’s legacy of bold editing and narrative shifts, embracing the spirit of rule-breaking that marked Godard’s rise. Quentin Tarantino, decades later, would echo this postmodern coolness in American cinema with films like Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction.
The French New Wave critics who transitioned to filmmaking, including François Truffaut and Claude Chabrol, shared Godard’s passion for American B-movies. While U.S. critics dismissed these genres, these French visionaries, inspired by directors like John Ford, Howard Hawks, Samuel Fuller, and Nicholas Ray, celebrated Hollywood’s raw cinematic power. Breathless serves as their heartfelt tribute to the likes of Johnny Guitar and The Big Sleep, blending genre spectacle with intellectual sensibility, and blurring lines between Hollywood crime and European arthouse traditions.
Behind the scenes, Godard wasn’t working alone. He collaborated with fellow New Wave heavyweights—writers François Truffaut and Claude Chabrol, editor Cecile Decugis, and cinematographer Raoul Coutard—forming what could be called the “Avengers” of their movement. In Nouvelle Vague, Richard Linklater captures this collaborative energy, crafting not just a biopic but a vibrant hangout film akin to his previous works, such as Dazed and Confused and Everybody Wants Some!!
The Shared Spirit of Cinema: Debate and Innovation
The French New Wave was fueled by dialogue and friendly rivalry among critics-turned-directors, whose spirited debates extended into the creation and analysis of each other’s films. In Nouvelle Vague, Linklater immerses viewers in this communal world without preamble, allowing the audience to witness the philosophical and creative exchanges that defined a generation of artists determined to innovate.
Watching Breathless provides invaluable historical context to Linklater’s depiction, emphasizing not only the thematic depth of the original film but also its continued relevance. Far from a dated classic, Breathless remains a lively, essential work that rewards both newcomers and longtime cinephiles with its wit, style, and restless energy.
The Cast and Where to Watch “Breathless”
The original film features Jean-Paul Belmondo as Michel Poiccard and Jean Seberg as Patricia Franchini, whose magnetic on-screen dynamic anchors Godard’s vision. Today, Breathless is readily accessible for streaming in the United States on HBO Max, offering new audiences a chance to experience the film that continues to shape cinematic storytelling.
Richard Linklater’s daring approach as an experimental filmmaker ensures that Nouvelle Vague, inspired by Godard, will spur renewed appreciation for the French New Wave’s legacy and its enduring impact on directors, critics, and movie lovers worldwide. As new generations discover Breathless, the interplay between past and present remains as vital as ever, cementing the film’s place at the heart of cinematic innovation.
