Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague Receives Ovation at Cannes

Richard Linklater's French-language film 'Nouvelle Vague,' a black-and-white homage to Jean-Luc Godard's 1960 classic 'Breathless,' premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival to a standing ovation reportedly lasting up to 11 minutes. The film stars Guillaume Marbeck as Godard, Zoey Deutch as Jean Seberg, and Aubry Dullin as Jean-Paul Belmondo, and was co-written with Vince Palmo, Michèle Halberstadt, Laetitia Masson, and Holly Gent. 'Nouvelle Vague' meticulously recreates the atmosphere and filmmaking style of the New Wave era, shot in a 4:3 aspect ratio. Quentin Tarantino attended the premiere and was visibly moved, helping to lead the ovation. Critics, including Variety's Owen Gleiberman, praised Marbeck's portrayal of Godard and considered the film a highlight of the festival. Linklater emphasized he did not intend to remake 'Breathless,' but sought to immerse viewers in the creative spirit and uncertainty of the film's making.