Richard Linklater's 'Nouvelle Vague' Pays Homage to French New Wave

The director's latest film is a spirited look at the making of Jean-Luc Godard's 'Breathless'.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 8:15am

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In his latest project, acclaimed director Richard Linklater revisits the electrifying period of the French New Wave with his film "Nouvelle Vague". The movie, which is now in theaters, is a slightly meta undertaking that provides a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Godard's iconic 1960 film "Breathless". Linklater, who is known for his naturalistic conversations and life-affirming storytelling, says he was "28 again" while making the film, drawing on the "terror and excitement" of his early filmmaking days.

Why it matters

Linklater's "Nouvelle Vague" is a welcome tonic for film fans, as it shines a light on the revolutionary French New Wave movement and the creative energy that defined that era. By revisiting the making of "Breathless", one of the most iconic films of the period, Linklater aims to inspire viewers to go out and make their own films with friends, while also potentially sparking renewed interest in the French New Wave.

The details

In "Nouvelle Vague", Linklater recreates the black-and-white aesthetic of 1960s Paris, with Zoey Deutch playing Jean Seberg's character and Aubry Dullin taking on the role of Jean-Paul Belmondo's mercurial character. The film manufactures the tension of the original "Breathless" production, making viewers feel like they're "inside that movie a little bit." Linklater hopes that after watching his film, viewers will appreciate the revolutionary feel of "Breathless" even more.

  • "Nouvelle Vague" is in theaters now.

The players

Richard Linklater

An acclaimed American director known for films like "Dazed and Confused", "Boyhood", and the "Before" trilogy.

Jean-Luc Godard

A pioneering French New Wave director who directed the iconic film "Breathless".

Zoey Deutch

An actress who plays the role of Jean Seberg's character in "Nouvelle Vague".

Aubry Dullin

An actor who takes on the role of Jean-Paul Belmondo's character in "Nouvelle Vague".

Guillaume Marbeck

An actor who portrays Jean-Luc Godard in "Nouvelle Vague".

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What they’re saying

“I told everybody the visual metaphor is: this isn't a film about that time. This is a film from that time.”

— Richard Linklater, Director (Esquire)

“You're almost seeing it like a crew member. You're kind of inside that movie a little bit.”

— Richard Linklater, Director (Esquire)

“At the end of the film, we talk about the 162 first-time filmmakers, but how many of those were great?”

— Richard Linklater, Director (Esquire)

What’s next

Linklater recommends watching "Nouvelle Vague" first before moving on to the original "Breathless" film, as it provides a unique perspective on the making of the French New Wave classic.

The takeaway

Linklater's "Nouvelle Vague" is a love letter to the French New Wave, capturing the "terror and excitement" of that era's revolutionary filmmaking. The film not only pays homage to "Breathless" but also aims to inspire viewers to embrace their own creative passions and make films with their friends, just as the New Wave directors did decades ago.