Nouvelle Vague (1990)

Nouvelle Vague Poster

Composed entirely of literary quotations from many different sources and from several historical periods, the loose narrative concerns a drifter found by a rich woman who soon falls in love with him. A drowning accident takes place and the drifter dies, but some time later he reappears in the woman’s life looking for a job. Or could it be the man’s twin brother?

Film Overview
"Nouvelle Vague" (likewise called "New Wave") is a French drama movie from 1990 directed by the legendary filmmaker, Jean-Luc Godard. The film is known for its abstract narrative and enigmatic characterizations, which are qualities typical for Godard's later works. The title is a tribute to the French New Wave cinematic motion that Godard himself helped leader in the sixties.

Plot Summary
The movie focuses on the character of Roger Lennox, a wealthy but deeply distressed entrepreneur, who's represented by Alain Delon and his mysterious house cleaner Elena, who's represented by Domiziana Giordano. The story utilizes a non-traditional structure, following Lennox's psychological disruptions and his complex relationship with Elena.

One day, Lennox is found almost dead in a river by Elena, who nurses him back to health. Regardless of struggling with apparent amnesia, he continues to manage his organization affairs however begins to act eccentrically and unexpectedly. He slowly becomes infatuated with Elena who remains odd and remote. As the narrative unfolds, the line in between Elena's truth and Lennox's mental breakdown blurs, creating a complicated emotional environment.

Artistic Influences
"Nouvelle Vague" sharpens Godard's stylistic advancement over the last twenty years of his profession. He utilizes an experimental narrative format, highlighting the disjointedness of Lennox's mental state through a series of disjointed scenes, cryptic dialogues and referrals to classical literature. In spite of the film's linear sequence of occasions, the fragmented storytelling makes the actual plot difficult to discern.

The movie is shot mainly in Godard's preferred area, Switzerland, therefore showcasing the nation's peaceful landscapes which constitute a plain contrast to the rough frame of mind of the lead characters. These settings serve as reflective stages for the characters during their discourses on life, love, and death.

Important Reception
Upon release, "Nouvelle Vague" received blended evaluations from critics. Individuals who appreciated it saw it as a complex and thought-provoking exploration of main themes in Godard's works such as, battles with identity, the intricacies of power dynamics, and the destructive impacts of commercialism. The movie was likewise praised for the efficiencies of the leading actors, Alain Delon and Domiziana Giordano.

Nevertheless, the nonlinear narrative structure and enigmatic dialogue, which require significant effort by the audiences to translate and comprehend, had actually baffled some others, resulting in overall combined opinions. The movie theater's abstract nature, the existential styles, and its philosophical and abstract musings were exposed to broad analyses.

Conclusion
"Nouvelle Vague" is a distinctly Godardian piece of cinema, reflective of the prominent director's later works. It features his familiar styles and stylistic approaches, a breakaway from traditional storytelling, while showcasing an array of audiovisual methods and atmospheres. The film may not appeal to every viewer due to its abstruse narrative structure, however for fans of Jean-Luc Godard or those who appreciate speculative movie theater, it serves as a special and intriguing exploration into the depths of human psyche and relationships.

Top Cast

  • Alain Delon (small)
    Alain Delon
    Lui / Roger Lennox / Richard Lennox
  • Domiziana Giordano (small)
    Domiziana Giordano
    Elle: Elena Torlato-Favrini
  • Jacques Dacqmine (small)
    Jacques Dacqmine
    Le PDG
  • Christophe Odent (small)
    Christophe Odent
    Raoul Dorfman, l'avocat
  • Roland Amstutz
    Jules, le jardinier
  • Cécile Reigher
    La serveuse
  • Laurence Côte (small)
    Laurence Côte
    La secrétaire
  • Joe Sheridan (small)
    Joe Sheridan
    Robert, aka Bob
  • Laure Killing (small)
    Laure Killing
    Dorothy Parker, la femme du docteur
  • Miles Jonn-Dalton (small)
    Miles Jonn-Dalton
    Marquis
  • Joseph Lisbona