Richard Linklater Stuns Cannes as ‘Nouvelle Vague’ Earns Rapturous 6.5 Minute Standing Ovation and Lots of Love From Quentin Tarantino

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Richard Linklater’s homage to the French New Wave, titled “Nouvelle Vague,” was destined to fit seamlessly within the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Indeed, this was confirmed after its highly acclaimed world premiere in competition at the 2025 festival. The movie received a thunderous six-and-a-half-minute standing ovation as the cast embraced one another and leading actress Zoey Deutch blew kisses to the audience.

The “Nouvelle Vague” debut was a lively event right from the beginning. Director Richard Linklater and cast member Zoey Deutch were seen swaying and jiving on the red carpet, making their way up the renowned steps at the Palais. Prior to the screening, Linklater shared a warm embrace and quick conversation with Quentin Tarantino. Known for premiering numerous films at Cannes, the “Pulp Fiction” director applauded enthusiastically when Linklater received a standing ovation. It was clear that Tarantino was deeply touched by the movie.

A year ago, we were shooting scenes here,” Linklater remarked as the applause subsided, “It’s astonishing that we’re back here premiering our film. Isn’t it incredible? The effort to replicate the time and place, to contribute to cinematic history, was deeply significant for all of us. Each cast member poured their heart into making this right, and everyone worked tirelessly towards that goal. So, this moment is truly special. Thank you for allowing us to share this moment with you.

In “Nouvelle Vague,” Richard Linklater documents the production of Jean-Luc Godard’s groundbreaking French New Wave film, “Breathless.” Guillaume Marbeck portrays the legendary filmmaker, while Anna Deutch embodies the movie’s main character, Jean Seberg, and Aubry Dullin takes on the role of the film’s male lead, Jean-Paul Belmondo. This is Linklater’s inaugural venture into shooting a project in French.

Enthusiasts were equally captivated by the film as the opening audience, with critics such as Owen Gleiberman from EbMaster’s praising it at the 2025 festival. He declared the movie a standout, saying, “Guillaume Marbeck embodies Jean-Luc Godard so flawlessly, it’s eerie. And the entire film is equally impressive.” Linklater, inspired greatly by Godard, considered “Nouvelle Vague” a deeply personal project. In discussions with media last year, Linklater shared that Godard instilled in him an unwavering passion and commitment to cinema, viewing it as a self-contained universe deserving of reverence. He aims to evoke this devotion in his film, stating, “I want to portray the absolute love that cineastes have for cinema – a love that transcends everyday life.

This year, Richard Linklater is making a significant impact on the film festival circuit. In February, he graced the Berlin International Film Festival with the premiere of his latest production, “Blue Moon,” a biographical music drama about Lorenz Hart, starring Ethan Hawke, Margaret Qualley, and Andrew Scott. The film garnered positive feedback and secured Andrew Scott the Silver Bear for Best Supporting Actor. Sony Pictures Classics plan to release “Blue Moon” in cinemas later this year. Additionally, Linklater’s recent works include “Hit Man,” featuring Glen Powell, which debuted at Venice in 2023 before finding success on Netflix streaming platforms.

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2025-05-17 21:16