A Unique Collaboration with Richard Linklater
In a recent conversation, Zoey Deutch and Aubry Dullin shared their experiences working on Nouvelle Vague, the Netflix film directed by Richard Linklater. The movie is a recreation of Jean-Luc Godard’s iconic 1959 film Breathless, capturing the spirit and style of the original while adding a modern twist.
Deutch reflected on how this project was a dream come true. She recalled that over a decade ago, during the production of Everybody Wants Some!!, Linklater asked her if she would be interested in playing Jean Seberg, the actress who starred in Breathless. At the time, it seemed like just a passing idea, but when Linklater finally set out to make Nouvelle Vague, he kept his promise and brought her on board.
The film recreated the experimental and guerrilla-style filmmaking of Godard’s original, which was made with minimal resources and a lot of spontaneity. While the production of Nouvelle Vague required more planning and attention to detail, the team managed to capture the same energy and creativity that defined Godard’s work.
Rehearsals and the Spirit of the Project
One of the most striking aspects of Nouvelle Vague was the amount of time spent on rehearsals. Linklater is known for his collaborative approach, and the cast and crew were given ample time to explore their characters and scenes. This process allowed them to fully immerse themselves in the world of the film and understand the motivations behind their roles.
Deutch described the experience as transformative. “I definitely feel changed from making this movie,” she said. For her, the project was a fantasy version of what it means to be an actress. She had been acting for 17 years, but this opportunity was different. It involved learning French, shooting in Paris, and being part of a film that celebrated the legacy of one of cinema’s most influential directors.
Dullin, who plays Jean-Paul Belmondo in the film, also found the experience enlightening. He noted that the rehearsals helped him develop a new way of working. “I didn’t do that before,” he said. “This will change the way I work on my casting and in other movies.”
Recreating the Iconic Herald Tribune Scene
One of the most memorable scenes in Breathless is the Herald Tribune sequence, where the characters walk down the street while delivering dialogue. In Nouvelle Vague, the team worked tirelessly to recreate this scene with precision.
Deutch explained that they spent an entire day watching the original scene, timing out the choreography, and even reversing it to match the perspective of their film. They had to ensure that the physical movements and timing were exact, but they also added their own interpretations to the dialogue.
“We had to restructure the scene,” she said. “It was really like a choreography. It was amazing to do this sequence.”
Dullin added that they even used sticks and leaves on the ground to mark their positions, ensuring that every step was perfectly aligned. This level of detail was captured in a making-of video created by a French artist named Lucy, who documented the entire process.
Aubry Dullin’s Journey to the Role
For Dullin, this role marked his first major acting gig. He shared how he came to audition for the part. He saw a post on Facebook looking for actors who resembled Jean-Paul Belmondo. At the time, he wasn’t sure he would get the role, but he decided to give it a try.
“I went there just being me,” he said. “I tried not to be very stressed.” His natural resemblance to Belmondo, combined with his performance, helped him land the part.
Final Thoughts
Nouvelle Vague is now available to stream on Netflix. The film offers a unique blend of homage and innovation, celebrating the legacy of Godard while showcasing the talents of its cast and crew. With its thoughtful approach to storytelling and filmmaking, it stands as a testament to the enduring influence of the French New Wave.
