The Nouvelle Vague, also named the French New Wave is arguably the most revolutionary film movement ever. The French are known for their radical actions in society when something improper, according to their needs, occurs. Several French film directors felt the same way about making movies, so they made a movement that inspired the entire world.
Before we dive deep into this movement’s characteristics, let’s see what French New Wave cinema is.
What Is the French New Wave?
The French New Wave is an art film movement that began in the late 50s and lasted until the late 60s. It’s known for its rejection of conventional moviemaking to inspire experimentation and artistic iconoclasm.
Of course, it isn’t the only one. There was also the Czechoslovak New Wave right after and the Italian Neorealism in the 40s and 50s. However, other cultural movements drew inspiration from this wave, including the famous Yugoslav Black Wave.
Crucial French New Wave Characteristics
Since French New Wave filmmakers rejected traditional cinema, they embraced location shooting. They would often use ordinary everyday places. Directors would cast stars but pair them with non-professional actors and actresses. One of the goals was to achieve more natural reactions.
One of the key characteristics of French New Wave was using a new type of visual style, editing, and narrative. As with every cultural movement, the French New Wave also addresses political and social issues using irony. The usage of innovative techniques and hand-held cameras brought a spontaneous vibe. Directors also used long tracking shots and had non-linear structures.
French New Wave films explore existential themes, addressing the human existence of absurdity through sarcasm and irony. Using philosophical themes about love, alienation, and identity is one of the key aspects of this movement.
The films became famous also because of the young viewers. Many directors were born in the 30s in Paris, so they addressed how the youth might be experiencing Paris and life. Hence why French New Wave fashion also became popular.
Unlike the Yugoslav and Czechoslovak New Wave directors who had serious political problems, French Nouvelle Vague directors had it easy.
Right Bank vs Left Bank French New Wave Directors
There were two groups of French New Wave directors, the so-called Right Bank and Left Bank directors.
The financially successful and more popular directors were part of the Right Bank. These directors were associated with the Cahiers du cinéma. Think of famous directors like Jean-Luc Godard, Francois Truffaut, Claude Chabrol, etc. These were the younger directors who were movie-crazed and made the French New Wave movement genuinely authentic.
On the other hand, Left Bank directors were older and saw cinema in connection with other arts, including literature. Nevertheless, they were similar to the others since they also used cinematic modernism. Some of the most successful Left Bank directors are Agnes Varda, Chris Marker, Alain Resnais, etc.
It’s important to state that the Right and Left Bank groups weren’t in opposition, quite the contrary.
Most Important French New Wave Directors
Here’s a list of the most important directors of this movement. The list includes Right Bank, Left Bank, and other filmmakers that were part of the New Wave:
- Jean-Luc Godard
- François Truffaut
- Claude Chabrol
- Éric Rohmer
- Jacques Rivette
- Alain Resnais
- Agnès Varda
- Jacques Demy
- Chris Marker
- Jacques Doniol-Valcroze
- Jean Douchet
- Jean Eustache
- Alexandre Astruc
- Jean-Pierre Melville
- Luc Moullet
- Alain Robbe-Grillet
- Louis Malle
- Jean Rouch
- Jacques Rozier
- Straub-Huillet
- Roger Vadim
- Marguerite Duras
- Georges Franju
- Philippe Garrel
- Pierre Kast
- William Klein
Best French New Wave Films
Here’s a list of the most influential French New Wave movies:
- “The 400 Blows” – François Truffaut
- “Tirez sur le Pianiste” – François Truffaut
- “Jules et Jim” – François Truffaut
- “Breathless” – Jean-Luc Godard
- “Le Mepris” – Jean-Luc Godard
- “Pierrot Le Fou” – Jean-Luc Godard
- “Vivre sa vie” – Jean-Luc Godard
- “Bande a Part” – Jean-Luc Godard
- “Hiroshima mon amour” – Alain Resnais
- “L’Année dernière à Marienbad” – Alain Resnais
- “Les Bonnes Femmes” – Claude Chabrol
- “Les Cousins” – Claude Chabrol
- “Cleo de 5 a 7” – Agnès Varda
- “Lola” – Jacques Demy
- “Paris nous appartient” – Jacques Rivette
- “Adieu Philippine” – Jacques Rozier
Famous French New Wave Actresses and Actors
Here’s a list of the most famous French New Wave actresses and actors:
- Anna Karina
- Jean Seberg
- Brigitte Bardot
- Jean-Paul Belmondo
- Jean-Pierre Léaud
- Claude Jade
- Emmanuelle Riva
- Gerard Blain
- Jean-Claude Brialy
- Françoise Dorléac
- Stéphane Audran
- Bernadette Lafont
- Anne Wiazemsky
- Anouk Aimée
- Charles Aznavour
- Jeanne Moreau
- Maurice Ronet
- Delphine Seyrig
- Jean-Louis Trintignant
- Sami Frey
- Catherine Deneuve
Notable Nominations and Awards
Aside from being popular among audiences, especially younger generations, most directors also won prestigious awards. Here are some of the most important film festivals and organizations where French New Wave awards were won or films got nominations:
- Berlin Film Festival
- Academy Awards (Oscars)
- BAFTA
- Venice Film Festival
- Cannes Film Festival
- Chicago International Film Festival
- New York Film Critics Circle Awards
Final Thoughts on the French New Wave
There’s no doubt that the New French Wave is one of the most powerful film and cultural movements ever. Many directors and films of this wave are taught at film schools worldwide, inspiring young artists.
The best way to learn more and enjoy the French New Wave is to watch as many movies as you can. A quick suggestion – watch “The 400 Blows” and “Breathless” first.
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