Exploring the Legacy of French Cinema in Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague
In a recent press conference at Cannes, acclaimed filmmaker Richard Linklater shared his thoughts on his latest film, Nouvelle Vague. With a smile, he stated, “If you do it long enough, I always thought you can make one film about making films. This is mine.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the essence of his film, which serves as a passionate homage to the French New Wave.
The Story Behind Nouvelle Vague
Nouvelle Vague narrates the fascinating behind-the-scenes story of the making of the iconic film Breathless directed by Jean-Luc Godard. Shot on film in a 4:3 aspect ratio, the film is entirely in French and features a talented cast, including Guillaume Marbeck as Godard, Zoey Deutch as his muse Jean Seberg, and Aubry Dullin portraying Jean-Paul Belmondo. The original Breathless, considered a cornerstone of the French New Wave, depicts the life of Michel Poiccard, a petty criminal on the run whose world collides with that of an American journalism student in Paris.
Richard Linklater’s Cultural Insights
Reflecting on his journey, Linklater admitted his initial fears regarding the reception of an American director tackling such a pivotal piece of French cinema. He humorously remarked, “Ten years ago, when we were thinking about this movie, I was thinking they’ll hate that an American director did it. We will never show this film in France.” However, the film received an overwhelming response, culminating in a ten-minute standing ovation at its premiere, signaling the film’s successful acceptance during Cannes.
Linklater’s Cinematic Philosophy
Renowned for his naturalistic filmmaking style, which can be seen in works like the Before trilogy and Boyhood, Linklater expressed that Breathless deeply influenced him as a filmmaker by embodying the idea of creative freedom and the concept of the personal film. He reflected, “I felt like I was 28 years old making this film. I had to erase my experience and get back to my first film mentality. [Making this movie] was like going back in time.”
A Love Letter to Cinematic Freedom
Critics have noted that while Nouvelle Vague may not replicate the essence of Breathless, it stands as a loving homage to the chaotic, creative processes that defined its making. As The Hollywood Reporter aptly put it, “It’s a loving homage to the crazy way Breathless was made — back when you could shoot movies fast, cheap, and out of control, and somehow change cinema in the process.”
The Impact of Politics on Cinema
When asked about the recent tariffs proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump that would target films produced abroad, Linklater remained skeptical. He dismissed concerns, saying, “That’s not going to happen, right? That guy changes his mind like 50 times a day.”
The Future of Filmmaking in Los Angeles
Zoey Deutch offered her thoughts on the current landscape of filmmaking, expressing her desire to see production return to Los Angeles. “It would be nice to make more movies in Los Angeles with the history and the studios and the culture,” she shared, highlighting her recent enchanting experience filming in the city.
A Global Perspective on the French Film Industry
Linklater, who collaborated with French producers for Nouvelle Vague, shared his admiration for the French film industry. He noted, “I really admire the French film industry in the way they are so focused and take care of their industry. They make sure it’s healthy, and they nurture it. And our country, the U.S., could use a little bit of that.” This insight underscores the essential practices that could potentially enhance the American film landscape.