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Richard Linklater's Nouvelle Vague Celebrates French New Wave Legacy

11/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Richard Linklater, filmmaker, released the Netflix film Nouvelle Vague, portraying the making of Jean-Luc Godard's Breathless (1960) and describing it as a hangout movie.
Set in 1959 Paris, the film is shot in black and white and primarily in French.
Guillaume Marbeck portrays Godard and Zoey Deutch portrays actress Jean Seberg.
Critics praise Nouvelle Vague as a tribute to the French New Wave and an engaging story about artistic collaboration.

History

Historical Context

The French New Wave emerged in the late 1950s, challenging traditional filmmaking with innovative techniques and existential themes. Pioneered by directors like Jean-Luc Godard and François Truffaut, the movement utilized low budgets and portable equipment, leading to a documentary style. Films such as "Breathless" (1960) and "The 400 Blows" (1959) significantly influenced global cinema, marking a shift towards personal expression in filmmaking.

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Story summary

Richard Linklater, filmmaker, released the Netflix film Nouvelle Vague, portraying the making of Jean-Luc Godard's Breathless (1960) and describing it as a hangout movie.
Set in 1959 Paris, the film is shot in black and white and primarily in French.
Guillaume Marbeck portrays Godard and Zoey Deutch portrays actress Jean Seberg.
Critics praise Nouvelle Vague as a tribute to the French New Wave and an engaging story about artistic collaboration.

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