Nouvelle Vague (2025)

The year 2025 will offer us a unique opportunity to look behind the scenes of one of the most revolutionary periods in cinema history – the birth of the French New Wave. The comedy “Nouvelle Vague” (New Wave), directed by Richard Linklater, known for his attention to dialogue and human stories, promises a fresh and ironic look at an era when young film enthusiasts from the Cahiers du Cinema editorial team picked up cameras to revolutionize filmmaking.

Plot

The action transports us to Paris in 1959, where the atmosphere of film premieres and creative pursuits is buzzing around the legendary Cahiers du Cinema magazine's editorial office. By this point, many had already made a loud statement: Claude Chabrol had released two films, and François Truffaut's “The 400 Blows” had already garnered applause in Cannes. In this whirlwind of success, only one person, Jean-Luc Godard, in his own conviction a genius, was still limited to just a couple of short films. However, the moment of truth is near: Godard finally feels ready for a feature film. He enlists the support of friendly producer de Beauregard, receives a small sum, and begins working on a project inspired by a crime report. His friend Jean-Paul Belmondo, who is to play a fugitive rogue, and rising American star Jean Seberg, who recently moved to France, in the role of his unreliable girlfriend, are invited for the main roles. This is the beginning of something grand, but the path to greatness, as usual, is thorny and full of comic situations.

Why You Should Watch It

• A Comedic Portrait of a Historical Era: The film offers a funny and non-trivial look at the genesis of one of the most influential movements in cinema history, blending facts with light irony.
• A Genius in the Making: Observing a young Jean-Luc Godard, not yet a legend, allows us to see his ambitions, self-assurance, and first steps on the path to cinematic revolution.
• Richard Linklater's Craftsmanship: The director, known for his ability to create deep and witty stories based on dialogue and character development, guarantees an engaging immersion into the world of 50s filmmakers.
• Star-Studded Ensemble: The film features a talented cast, including Matthieu Penchinat, Zoey Deutch, Bruno Dreyfurst, and others, who will embody the vibrant characters of the era on screen.
• Intellectual Humor: A comedy that subtly plays with expectations, myths, and the reality of the creative process, offering both laughter and food for thought.

Themes

“Nouvelle Vague” (New Wave) touches upon deep and relevant themes, despite its comedic tone. It is a story about the formation of a creative personality, about the genius's struggle with his own ambitions and the world's impatience. The film explores the collective spirit and competition among like-minded individuals, where everyone strives to leave their mark. Special attention is paid to the influence of real life on art – how a crime report can become the basis for a future masterpiece. Finally, the film reflects on the boundaries between reality and fiction in cinema and the search for one's own, unique voice in an era of cultural and social change.

Editorial Opinion

“Nouvelle Vague” (New Wave) promises to be not just a comedy, but a witty and intriguing chronicle of one of the most exciting moments in cinema history. Under the direction of Richard Linklater and with such a cast, the film has every chance to offer viewers not only a laugh at the quirks of young geniuses but also a deeper understanding of how revolutionary ideas are born. This is a film for those who appreciate intelligent humor, fascinating biographies, and history told with a spark.