Richard Linklater delivers another winner with "Nouvelle Vague"

Richard Linklater’s filmography can be viewed as a trilogy: the “Before” films, which emphasize the passage of time; “Boyhood”, which explores growing up over the years; and “Waking Life”, which uses animation to examine reality. Linklater doesn’t just make films; he investigates cinema’s potential when it deviates from convention.

This year, he has embarked on an ambitious journey with “Blue Moon”, a 1943 New York-set film that immerses viewers in its atmosphere, followed by “Nouvelle Vague”. This film captures the essence of a cinematic movement, adopting a vintage black-and-white aesthetic and a boxy aspect ratio, signaling a step back rather than mere inspiration. It not only references “Breathless*” but also immerses viewers in the chaotic spirit of its creation.

What makes “Nouvelle Vague” engaging is not just its rich iconography but the lively debates among passionate filmmakers like Truffaut, Chabrol, and Rivette. The focal point is Jean-Luc Godard: forceful and defiant, he challenges audiences to keep pace. Godard prioritizes spontaneity over polish, pushing collaborators like a jazz bandleader seeking authenticity.

The film achieves remarkable casting, with Aubrey Dullin closely resembling Jean-Paul Belmondo, and Zoey Deutch portraying Jean Seberg with emotional depth. Instead of a detached “making-of” feel, *Nouvelle Vague* feels alive and immediate, shifting the focus from accuracy to the vibrancy of experience.

Is every detail historically exact? That’s secondary to capturing the essence. The “truth” of a moment lies in the electricity of the room, something *Nouvelle Vague* conveys beautifully. It doesn’t just tell how a movement started; it evokes why it needed to exist.

Final Grade” B+

“Nouvelle Vague” is now streaming on Netflix.