Richard Linklater shares hope for the future of cinema during Cannes premiere

At the Cannes Film Festival, renowned filmmaker Richard Linklater premiered his new movie Nouvelle Vague, which explores the making of Jean-Luc Godard's iconic film Breathless. Originally intending to exclude France from its release, Linklater brought his homage to the heart of French cinema, receiving significant acclaim at the festival. The film employs a black-and-white visual style synonymous with the French New Wave, aiming to recreate the atmosphere of 1959 while following the production of Breathless closely, including the improvisational elements characteristic of Godard's work. The film features notable performances, with Aubry Dullin portraying Jean-Paul Belmondo and Zoey Deutch taking on the role of Jean Seberg. Linklater expressed his desire for audiences to feel as though they were experiencing life among Nouvelle Vague filmmakers during this vibrant era. He reflected on the creative process, revealing how the project took him back to his own early days as a filmmaker. During a press conference at Cannes, Linklater shared his perspectives on the current state of cinema and its future, highlighting his optimism for a new generation of filmmakers, whom he refers to as "the Letterboxd generation." He acknowledged that there are challenges facing cinema today, particularly with the rise of streaming services and changing consumption habits. Nevertheless, Linklater is encouraged by the enthusiasm of young people who continue to engage with film in meaningful ways. As part of his homage to Godard, Linklater made stylistic choices to reflect the time period of his film's setting while also commenting on broader industry trends. He noted the importance of the communal experience of cinema and the need for audiences to engage with films in a theater setting. Despite the struggles and threats that cinema has faced over the years, Linklater expressed hope that storytelling through film remains vital and appreciated by audiences worldwide.