Introduction
Richard Linklater has always been the kind of director who marches to his own beat—think loose narratives, real-time conversations, and stories that linger on the passage of time. In 2025, he’s delivered not one, but two standout films: Blue Moon and Nouvelle Vague. These projects couldn’t seem more different on the surface—one a poignant Broadway biopic, the other a playful tribute to French cinema—but together, they’re reminding everyone why Linklater remains one of the most inventive voices in American independent film. With Golden Globe nominations rolling in and critics buzzing, this feels like a major moment for the Texas filmmaker.
A Quick Look at Richard Linklater’s Journey
Richard Linklater was born in Houston in 1960, Linklater grew up in Texas and dropped out of college to dive into filmmaking. He founded the Austin Film Society in the ’80s, which became a hub for indie cinema. His breakthrough came with Slacker (1990), a low-budget wander through Austin’s eccentric characters that captured a generational vibe. From there, hits like Dazed and Confused (1993), the romantic Before trilogy (1995–2013), and the groundbreaking Boyhood (2014)—shot over 12 years—cemented his reputation for innovative storytelling. He’s collaborated often with Ethan Hawke, and his films frequently explore youth, relationships, and the quiet drama of everyday life.
Nouvelle Vague: A Loving Nod to Godard and the French New Wave
Nouvelle Vague is Linklater’s heartfelt homage to Jean-Luc Godard’s revolutionary 1960 debut Breathless. Shot entirely in French, in black-and-white, it recreates the chaotic, exhilarating process of making that iconic film. Guillaume Marbeck plays a young Godard, full of ambition and uncertainty, while Zoey Deutch shines as Jean Seberg and Aubry Dullin as Jean-Paul Belmondo. The movie captures the energy of 1959 Paris—cafés, street shoots, and heated debates about cinema’s future.
Premiering at Cannes in May 2025 to an 11-minute standing ovation, it later hit limited theaters before streaming on Netflix starting November 14. Critics have praised its infectious enthusiasm and stylistic mimicry of the New Wave era, calling it a “cinephile’s dream” and a “playful love letter.” It’s earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, with Deutch picking up nods elsewhere for her breakout performance.
Blue Moon: Ethan Hawke’s Transformative Turn as Lorenz Hart
On the flip side, Blue Moon is a more intimate, melancholic drama set over one fateful night in 1943. Ethan Hawke delivers a career-highlight performance as lyricist Lorenz Hart, grappling with alcoholism, unrequited love, and professional eclipse on the opening night of Oklahoma!-the hit musical his former partner Richard Rodgers created with Oscar Hammerstein II. Andrew Scott plays Rodgers, Margaret Qualley a young admirer, and Bobby Cannavale a sympathetic bartender.
Filmed quickly in Ireland, the movie premiered at the Berlin Film Festival in February 2025, where Scott won a Silver Bear for supporting actor. Released theatrically by Sony Pictures Classics in October, it’s drawn raves for Hawke’s raw, heartbreaking portrayal and Linklater’s sharp dialogue. It too scored a Golden Globe nod for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, plus one for Hawke as Best Actor.
What Ties These Films Together?
Though one celebrates the dawn of a creative revolution and the other its twilight, both explore artists wrestling with time, legacy, and change. Richard Linklater has said he loves “living inside a project for a long time,” and these back-to-back efforts reflect that depth. In recent interviews, he’s discussed shooting Nouvelle Vague in Paris, then rushing to Blue Moon, admitting it was exhausting but rewarding.
Recent Buzz and Interviews
As of late December 2025, the conversation around these films is heating up. Linklater and Deutch reunited for press, talking about reviving the spirit of the New Wave. Hawke has reflected on aging into roles with Richard Linklater, their partnership now spanning over two decades. Both movies are positioning strongly in awards chatter, with critics noting how Linklater avoids biopic clichés by focusing on pivotal moments rather than cradle-to-grave arcs.
Awards Recognition and Critical Praise
The dual Golden Globe nominations mark a rare feat-Linklater competing against himself in the same category. Nouvelle Vague boasts a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, hailed for “infectious admiration,” while Blue Moon sits at similar heights, lauded for Hawke’s “mesmerizing” work. These aren’t blockbuster tentpoles, but they’re the kind of thoughtful, actor-driven films that often resonate deeply during awards season.
Looking Ahead: Linklater’s Ongoing Projects
Linklater isn’t slowing down. He’s midway through his ambitious adaptation of Merrily We Roll Along, filming sporadically over 20 years with stars like Paul Mescal. He’s also teased future collaborations with Hawke, possibly a 19th-century historical piece.
Final Thoughts
2025 has been a banner year for Richard Linklater, proving he’s as vital as ever. Whether you’re drawn to the youthful rebellion of Nouvelle Vague (now on Netflix) or the bittersweet reflection of Blue Moon (in theaters and expanding), these films showcase a director at the peak of his powers. In a landscape dominated by franchises, Linklater’s personal, time-obsessed storytelling feels more essential than ever. If you haven’t caught them yet, they’re well worth your time.
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