Linklater’s Beautiful Tribute to Godard’s Vision

The official synopsis for Richard Linklater’s **Nouvelle Vague** claims it’s “the story of Godard making Breathless, told in the style and spirit in which Godard made Breathless.” While this catchy pitch captures attention, it’s also somewhat misleading. Godard’s groundbreaking 1960 film shattered narrative conventions, rewriting the rules of cinema. In contrast, Linklater’s tribute is more traditional: presented linearly, skillfully shot with a substantial crew, and employing actors who embody the iconic figures they portray, all while using extensive VFX to recreate the Parisian backdrop of the time. This might seem worlds apart from Godard’s idiosyncratic style, yet Linklater’s film impressively encapsulates the essence of **Godard’s audacious creative spirit**.

Linklater, known for his genre-defying work, has journeyed through various styles, from his indie breakthrough **Slacker** to the animated gems **A Scanner Darkly** and **Waking Life**, and even the nostalgic yet innovative **Boyhood**. His fascination with Godard’s unconventional approach is no surprise; it’s a testament to his creative curiosity.

**Loaded with fascinating facts**, **Nouvelle Vague** chronicles the tumultuous production of **Breathless**—ideal for cinephiles who appreciate its title’s significance. This film serves as an affectionate peek behind the curtain at filmmaking, highlighting a critical yet exhilarating time in cinematic history.

While Linklater’s approach isn’t a direct mimicry of Godard, it effectively portrays the chaotic genius of the man himself. **Guillaume Marbeck,** who captures Godard’s spirit perfectly, reveals a director intent on bending the rules—sometimes through chaotic interactions with his producers and crew that oscillate between comic and frustrating.

Godard was as irreverent as he was insightful, and this film captures his **witty charm.** The opening scene introduces Godard, trailing behind fellow **Cahiers du cinéma** critics like Truffaut (played by Adrien Rouyard), collectively navigating their way into filmmaking. One can feel the desperation in Godard’s quip: “The best way to criticize a film is to make one,” a sentiment that resonates throughout the well-crafted script led by screenwriters Holly Gent, Vince Palmo, Michèle Halberstadt, and Laetitia Masson.

Capturing the Essence of **Breathless**

At the height of the New Wave, following notable successes of Truffaut’s **The 400 Blows** and Chabrol’s **Le Beau Serge**, Godard secures backing for a low-budget film, fashioning something from a sensational news story. Casting a mix of fresh talent, including **Jean-Paul Belmondo** and **Zoey Deutch**, who masterfully embody their characters, the film unfolds an exhilarating and often chaotic journey through the production landscape.

As we delve deeper into **Nouvelle Vague**, we see a day-by-day breakdown of the **Breathless** film shoot that pulls back the curtain on its often haphazard production style. Godard’s methods were unorthodox, favoring **improvisation and spontaneity** over strict adherence to scripts. His unique vision, as he famously proclaimed, “reality is not continuity!” becomes a rallying cry that encapsulates both the struggle and beauty of artistic creation.

The Godard Experience

**Linklater’s choice to focus on the lighter nuances** of Godard’s character strikes an impressive balance, juxtaposing the gravity of his filmic intentions with an unexpected humor. His exploration reveals that Godard, while serious about his craft, was also a storyteller armed with a sharp wit and self-deprecating charm. Lines like “Disappointments are temporary, film is forever” crystallize his conviction and passion.

**Nouvelle Vague** presents an insightful, behind-the-scenes look at a pivotal moment in not just Godard’s journey but in film history itself. It successfully intertwines lesser-known figures like **Rissient and Schiffman**, illuminating the collaborative spirit of the New Wave movement—with guidance from cinema legends like Melville and Bresson.

Visual Aesthetics

The film’s production shines through **David Chambille’s stunning black-and-white cinematography,** reminiscent of the physicality of 1959 film stock. Meticulously recreated interiors, along with extensive VFX for each exterior shot, transport audiences back to a Paris rich in cinematic lore—seamlessly blending authenticity with artistry.

It’s a captivating juxtaposition: a meticulously crafted homage juxtaposed with the raw energy of Godard’s revolutionary spirit. While **Nouvelle Vague** may not parallel the groundbreaking **Breathless**, it remains a touching tribute to the spirited chaos that embodies cinema’s evolution.