Netflix has acquired Richard Linklater’s latest film, “Nouvelle Vague,” following its successful premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. The French-language movie, shot in black-and-white and a 4:3 aspect ratio, pays homage to Jean-Luc Godard’s 1960 classic “Breathless” and the French New Wave cinema movement. “Nouvelle Vague” delves into the making of “Breathless,” which tells the story of Michel Poiccard, a small-time criminal on the run after killing a policeman, and his romantic involvement with Patricia Franchini, an American journalism student in Paris.
Linklater’s film features Guillaume Marbeck as Jean-Luc Godard, Zoey Deutch as Jean Seberg, and Aubry Dullin as Jean-Paul Belmondo. The film impressed audiences at Cannes, with critics praising Linklater’s exploration of Godard’s audacious filmmaking style. Jordan Mintzer noted, “It’s an impressive package that certainly required more money and manpower than Godard’s first feature did, while ironically enough, the moral of this movie is that a big budget and crew aren’t needed to make something great.”
“Nouvelle Vague” is considered a strong contender for the upcoming awards season, with Scott Feinberg highlighting its potential in the Oscar conversation.
Netflix acquires cinematic homage
Linklater, a five-time Academy Award nominee, expressed his gratitude at the premiere, saying, “It means so much for us to be here tonight. Over a year ago we were filming right here, and we all said: ‘Wouldn’t it be amazing if we could end up here showing our movie.
It would be crazy to be here.’ And here we are! Cinema is magic.”
The acquisition by Netflix, reportedly worth $4 million, sets a record for a French-language movie in a domestic deal. While a theatrical release is not guaranteed, the film will fulfill the mandatory two-week cinema window required for awards consideration. “Nouvelle Vague” will debut in France this fall, with hopes high for its reception both domestically and internationally.
The film’s success underscores the growing influence and power of foreign-language films in the global market. Linklater’s heartfelt tribute to a cinematic milestone has found a home with Netflix, ensuring it will reach a broad audience while honoring its artistic roots.
