Netflix has emerged victorious in a competitive bidding war for Richard Linklater's latest film, Nouvelle Vague, an homage to his cinematic inspiration, Breathless. This acquisition comes following the film's successful premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where it debuted in the competition segment. Reports indicate that the deal has been finalized for an impressive $4 million, marking a record domestic expenditure for a French-language movie.
The film Nouvelle Vague is not just a cinematic venture; it is considered a profound tribute to the art of filmmaking. Breathless, the original film, is celebrated as a classic in cinema history. With the release of this new film, questions arise about its potential theatrical run, both in the United States and internationally, before it becomes available on Netflix. However, it appears that domestically, the film will likely follow the typical awards-qualifying pattern of a two-week theatrical engagement.
Nouvelle Vague received a warm reception at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was met with an 11-minute standing ovation. Critics have expressed optimism about its potential role in the upcoming awards season. Our film critic, Pete Hammond, praised the film, stating, “Linklater’s splendid love letter to the French New Wave and Godard will make you fall in love with movies all over again.”
Following a notable awards season where Netflix secured 13 Oscar nominations and two wins with the Spanish-language film Emilia Pérez, the streaming giant is hopeful that Nouvelle Vague can replicate this success. This film joins the ranks of other acclaimed titles such as Ballad of a Small Player, Frankenstein, and Jay Kelly in vying for awards recognition.
Nouvelle Vague intricately reconstructs the narrative behind Jean-Luc Godard’s classic, focusing on a tragic love affair between an idealistic Frenchman and his American lover. The film stars French actor Guillaume Marbeck as Godard, with Zoey Deutch portraying Jean Seberg, and newcomer Aubry Dullin taking on the role of Jean-Paul Belmondo. The film also features appearances from iconic figures in cinema history, including Jean Cocteau, Robert Bresson, Roberto Rossellini, Jean-Pierre Melville, Eric Rohmer, Agnes Varda, and Jacques Rivette.
The acquisition of Nouvelle Vague underscores the growing influence and power of foreign-language films in the entertainment industry. This trend is further exemplified by Neon’s recent success in winning its sixth consecutive Palme d’Or at Cannes with the Iranian drama It Was Just An Accident, positioning it as another potential contender in the awards circuit.
As anticipation builds for the release of Nouvelle Vague, viewers can look forward to exploring this cinematic homage that celebrates the rich legacy of French cinema.
