Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague Triumphs at Cannes
Few American indie films could be as fitting for a premiere at the Cannes Film Festival as Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague. The acclaimed director’s black-and-white homage to the French New Wave received an enthusiastic reception on Saturday night at the Palais des Festivals, culminating in an impressive standing ovation lasting over ten minutes from the elegant crowd.
“Cinema is magic,” Linklater expressed as the lighting in the auditorium brightened and the appreciative applause began to fade.
Even before the lights illuminated the venue, audience members united in applause, celebrating Linklater’s tribute to the essence of French cinema.
Anticipation Builds, Critics Kept in the Dark
Anticipation was palpable leading up to Linklater’s 23rd feature. Notably, the film was not previewed for critics prior to its release, as the director intended for it to make its debut on the big screen during its French premiere. The film’s tagline encapsulates its essence: “This is the story of Godard making Breathless, told in the style and spirit in which Godard made Breathless.”
The Creative Vision Behind Nouvelle Vague
Filmed in a classic 4:3 aspect ratio and entirely in French, Nouvelle Vague features Guillaume Marbeck portraying Jean-Luc Godard, Zoey Deutch as the iconic Jean Seberg, and Aubry Dullin as Jean-Paul Belmondo. Linklater’s objective for the film was clear: “to showcase the profound love of cineastes.”
Support from the Cinematic Community
Renowned filmmaker Quentin Tarantino was present to support Linklater’s endeavor, highlighting the camaraderie shared among directors who emerged during the American indie film renaissance of the 1990s. The two engaged warmly before the screening, exchanging embraces that sparked delighted reactions from the audience.
Jean Louis Fernandez
Despite his amiable nature, Linklater embodies the spirit necessary to capture the revolutionary essence of the French New Wave. Since launching his career with the low-budget film Slacker in 1990, he has consistently challenged cinematic conventions. His diverse filmography includes iconic coming-of-age stories like Dazed and Confused (1993), the acclaimed Before trilogy, innovative animated works like Waking Life (2001), and the multi-generational epic Boyhood (2014).
Quentin Tarantino is here with wife Daniella for Nouvelle Vague. pic.twitter.com/WPZ7Vot7Xk
— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) May 17, 2025
Nouvelle Vague’s Historical Context
Nouvelle Vague represents Linklater’s first film set entirely in France. The screenplay was collaboratively developed by Vince Palmo, Michèle Halberstadt, Laetitia Masson, and Holly Gent, with David Chambille serving as the cinematographer. Currently, sales agent Goodfellas is marketing the project to international distributors at Cannes.
The original Breathless (À bout de souffle), released in 1960, remains a cornerstone of the French New Wave. The film tells the story of Michel Poiccard (Jean-Paul Belmondo), a petty criminal fleeing after murdering a police officer and his romantic involvement with Patricia Franchini (Jean Seberg), an American journalism student in Paris. Drawing inspiration from American film noir while merging different cinematic styles, it not only marked Godard’s directorial debut but also launched the careers of Belmondo and Seberg into international stardom. Saturday night’s audience likely celebrated both Godard’s legacy and Linklater’s cinematic accomplishment.