Well, this was a fun little trip down memory lane in film classes.
“Nouvelle Vague” is a movie all about the making of the 1960 classic film “Breathless.” That 60s picture is a staple of cinema history, notable for its revolutionary methods incorporated in its shooting. Guillaume Marbeck stars as the director of “Breathless,” Jean-Luc Godard, who pushes boundaries with his unorthodox approach.
Joining in the production as the two leads of his film are Jean Seberg (Zoey Deutch) and Jean-Paul Belmondo (Aubry Dullin). Both performers express frustrations with Godard’s take on directing, as do members of the crew, but they stay committed to make the picture become a reality.
Yes, back at Minnesota State University Moorhead, yours truly watched “Breathless,” and was instructed to take a good look at the cuts and shot consistency. Unsurprisingly, director Richard Linklater does hit on those subjects, and other moves made by Godard in the making of the 1960 flick.
“Nouvelle Vague” certainly isn’t the first movie about the film industry, let alone creating a specific picture. In the last decade, there’s been “The Disaster Artist in 2017 and “Dolemite is my Name” in 2019. However, unlike those, the movie is less like an exploration of the stress on movie productions and the industry.
Instead, it seems more like just an opportunity to spend time with the cast and crew, allowing an audience to get to know and hang out with those who worked on a classic as a love letter to the people of French New Wave. The whole thing just seems looser and more playful than other movies about movies.
That’s not to say it lacks structure or doesn’t take itself seriously. The passion of cinema, the strain of a fast-moving film production and how those who worked on the film had individual ambitions, yet were committed to a common goal is all present. The way it’s portrayed, though, does so in a way that is more concerned with the human element.
It’s in those types of movies where Linklater really shines. His career is full of films that get into the personal side of its characters, and he does so again here with success. We get to see who these characters are, and what made them strong creatives. It isn’t quite in character study territory, but it does give a good window into important moments for artists.
This is backed up by solid writing from a team including Holly Grant, Vincent Palmo Jr. and Michèle Pétin, as well as a really good cast. This is just Guillaume Marbeck’s fourth acting credit, but he’s impressive as Godard, showing the man’s rebellious spirit.
For Dullin, it’s his third credit, and he too does well in portraying his character’s go-with-the-flow nature in filming. Plus, Zoey Deutch is especially praise-worthy as the American actress Jean Seberg.
“Nouvelle Vague” also deserves credit for its crisp, black and white look. Plus, Linklater’s film pays homage by recreating some filmmaking elements used in “Breathless,” too. It’s true that the flick is maybe catered to cinema nerds and it isn’t the deepest look at the industry. Yet as a fun love letter, it’s quite enjoyable. 4 out of 5.
Matthew Liedke on Film 