Indie Film Revolution's Decline Assessed by Richard Linklater at 'Nouvelle Vague' Premiere: 'Only Attention-Grabbing Blockbusters Matter Now, According to Him'
In the world of film, few directors have left an indelible mark like Richard Linklater. Known for his innovative approach and unconventional storytelling, Linklater is currently working on the adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's musical "Merrily We Roll Along." But his latest film, "Nouvelle Vague," serves as a reflection on the evolution of cinema and the revolution he and Quentin Tarantino were part of in their respective careers.
"Nouvelle Vague" is a biographical drama about Jean-Luc Godard, the influential French filmmaker, and the movement in French cinema that changed film history. The film premiered at Cannes and received some of the festival's best reviews, with Linklater's portrayal of Godard being particularly praised.
As he delved into the project, Linklater found himself reminded of his own first major work, "Slacker." The parallels between his early days and Godard's were striking, as both directors were upending conventions and pushing the boundaries of what cinema could be.
The same tide of change that Godard and his contemporaries felt in French cinema happened when Linklater came of age. Other maverick filmmakers like Tarantino, Soderbergh, Anderson, and van Sant were also challenging the status quo, creating a wave of change that continues to ripple through the industry.
However, Linklater is unsure if the revolution he and Tarantino were part of is possible today. He notes that the mainstream doesn't fully embrace or acknowledge their impact, and he ponders whether another confluence of art, chutzpah, and commerce like the one he and Godard were part of can occur.
Linklater's belief in pushing boundaries is evident in his work. He has directed 10 films over the last 15 years, each one a testament to his unique vision. He has been nominated for Oscars and has dabbled in the streaming world. His most notable work, perhaps, is "Boyhood," a coming-of-age drama that he shot over 11 years to capture the protagonist's ageing process in real time.
In "Nouvelle Vague," Linklater didn't feel a need to tailor his style to match that of Jean-Luc Godard. Instead, he created a film that pays homage to the legendary director while maintaining his own distinct voice. The film follows Godard as he bluffs his way through the making of "Breathless," his directorial debut, with Godard shown shooting a few scenes on the fly and calling it a day after two hours.
Linklater believes that money is the reason for this change, as success is measured financially. He felt the pressure of being watched closely during the making of "Slacker," but he has since learned to embrace the process and trust his instincts.
Zoey Deutch, who plays Jean Seberg in "Nouvelle Vague," finds Linklater to be the least neurotic and most prolific director she's worked with. Quentin Tarantino was present at the premiere and led the cheering. The Broadway revival of "Merrily We Roll Along," the musical Linklater is currently adapting, was recently embraced by critics and audiences, winning Tonys.
As Linklater continues to push the boundaries of cinema, he remains reflective of the past and hopeful for the future. He is still pondering whether another confluence of art, chutzpah, and commerce like the one he and Godard were part of can occur. But one thing is certain: Linklater will continue to be a trailblazer in the world of film.
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