Zoey Deutch Embraces Jean Seberg Role in Nouvelle Vague
Hollywood actor Zoey Deutch is poised for a stratospheric rise with her starring role in Nouvelle Vague, Richard Linklater's joyous celebration of Jean-Luc Godard's cinematic masterpiece Breathless. The film, which re-imagines the chaotic 1959 Paris shoot of the French New Wave classic, features Deutch as Jean Seberg, the American star who captivated audiences as expat student Patricia alongside Jean-Paul Belmondo.
A Duet Impeccably Re-Created
In Nouvelle Vague, Deutch impeccably captures Seberg's iconic style, from her awkward American-accented French to her balletic bounce during the legendary Champs-Élysées stroll. Speaking from Los Angeles via Zoom, Deutch reveals that when Linklater first suggested the role in 2014, she knew little about Seberg or Breathless. "I was 19," she admits, "and while some 19-year-olds are cinephiles, I wasn't at that time."
The film required Deutch to learn French over two years, perfecting Seberg's transatlantic delivery. Initially, she found Breathless mystifying, not grasping its punk-rock innovations that have since become mainstream cinema staples. "I didn't understand how bold it was," she says, suggesting viewers watch both films as a double bill to appreciate Godard's groundbreaking work.
Seberg at a Turning Point
Linklater's film depicts Seberg at a pivotal moment: living in Paris, sceptical of Godard's directorial potential yet eager for new artistic possibilities. Deutch portrays Seberg as both mystified and infuriated by Godard's unpredictability, yet capable of mischievously deflating him. "She acknowledged his genius," Deutch explains, "but felt he viewed her more as an idea than a person—a common experience for young women in the industry."
Seberg's post-Breathless career included notable roles like 1964's Lilith and 1969's Paint Your Wagon, though her later life was marred by FBI harassment due to her Black Panther Party support. Deutch studied this history, though Linklater focused their portrayal on that specific creative moment, reminding the cast they were playing "young, ambitious, kooky artists" not yet icons.
From Hollywood Insider to Leading Lady
Deutch comes from Hollywood royalty—her father directed Pretty in Pink, while her mother is Back to the Future star Lea Thompson. She began acting at five, encouraged by improv classes that taught her to say "Yes" to opportunities, a philosophy she literally tattooed on her foot. "My mother said 'Yes and!' changed my life," Deutch shares, showing the tattoo during our call.
Her career has evolved from romcom stalwart to edgier roles in films like The Outfit and Clint Eastwood's Juror No 2, plus a Broadway debut in Our Town. Recently, she premiered a new comedy at Sundance, where she spoke out against government brutality, reflecting her growing political awareness.
A Definitive Leap into the Limelight
Nouvelle Vague promises to cement Deutch's status as a serious actor. Unlike Seberg, who was unprepared for fame at 18, Deutch has been honing her craft since childhood. With the film's release, she jokes about getting "Oui!" tattooed on her other foot, embracing both her artistic journey and the French language that defined this role.
The film serves not just as a re-enactment but as a vibrant tribute to cinematic innovation, with Deutch's performance capturing the spirit of an era that forever changed filmmaking.
