Reviews

We had our last Film Club film of the season last Sunday, and what a great way to finish! 'Nouvelle Vague', was Richard Linklater's homage to the famous French director Jean-Luc Godard, specifically to his hugely innovative film 'A Bout de Souffle (Breathless)', which started the French New Wave in the 1960s. The film's story shows the making of 'Breathless'; shooting in French and in Black and White set the mood, finding actors who looked like the many famous people who are portrayed also helped. But then the playful, anarchic way he put the film together, following the 'method' of making 'Breathless' really gave the feeling of the times, with Godard refusing to write any scripts, breaking off filming after a couple of hours or completely cancelling days at short notice. You could really feel the frustration of the actors and crew! They least of all could believe what a massive hit it would be, with Jean Seberg threatening to walk away several times, but staying to see it become the biggest film of her career.

Linklater managed to balance the film so that those who had not seen the original – most of the audience in Keswick – could follow the story and just enjoy a romp through the past. Whether there was enough detail for any real film historians I am not sure; but then how many of those are there? I thought he had the balance just right.

So, it's a wrap! Our season ends – just the 38 films at the festival this weekend to enjoy! We'll be back in September with more world films for you to enjoy on Sunday evenings…and another festival next Spring!