Entertainment

The latter half of the 20th century witnessed a seismic shift in global cinema, moving beyond established norms and giving rise to a wave of innovative filmmaking movements. At the heart of this revolution was La Nouvelle Vague, or the French New Wave, a movement that challenged conventional narrative structures and embraced a more personal, often improvisational, style. This period also saw the emergence of similar cinematic currents across Europe and America, collectively reshaping the landscape of film as an art form.

Emerging in the late 1950s, La Nouvelle Vague wasn’t simply a stylistic shift; it was a declaration of independence from the constraints of traditional filmmaking. Directors like François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard, often writing their own scripts and utilizing location shooting with lightweight equipment, prioritized realism and a direct engagement with contemporary life. This approach, born from a desire to break with the perceived artificiality of mainstream cinema, profoundly influenced generations of filmmakers. The movement’s impact continues to be felt today, shaping how stories are told and how audiences experience film.

The Pioneers of the French New Wave

Jean-Luc Godard, a central figure of La Nouvelle Vague, is often credited with pushing the boundaries of cinematic form. His films, such as Breathless (1960), deliberately disrupted traditional editing techniques and narrative conventions, embracing jump cuts and handheld camera operate. As noted by The Guardian in a recent review of Richard Linklater’s work, Linklater “bends the knee to Breathless and Jean-Luc Godard,” highlighting the enduring influence of Godard’s style. The Guardian acknowledges this lasting legacy.

Alongside Godard, François Truffaut became a defining voice of the movement. His semi-autobiographical film, The 400 Blows (1959), offered a poignant and realistic portrayal of childhood and adolescence, resonating with audiences worldwide. Both directors, along with contemporaries like Claude Chabrol and Éric Rohmer, shared a common desire to create a cinema that was more personal, more immediate, and more reflective of the changing social and political landscape of post-war France.

Beyond France: The Spread of “New Waves”

The impact of La Nouvelle Vague extended far beyond the borders of France, inspiring similar movements in other countries. The British New Wave, emerging in the late 1950s and early 1960s, explored working-class life and social realism with films like Saturday Night and Sunday Morning (1960). In Italy, directors like Federico Fellini and Michelangelo Antonioni were already challenging narrative conventions, but the influence of the French New Wave further encouraged experimentation and a focus on psychological realism.

The Conversation notes that Jean-Luc Godard’s “prickly fragmented filmmaking asked all the right questions,” as highlighted by The Conversation, demonstrating the intellectual and artistic depth of his work. This questioning spirit permeated the various “new wave” movements, encouraging filmmakers to challenge established norms and explore new forms of cinematic expression.

The Legacy of Visionary Filmmaking

The influence of La Nouvelle Vague and its international counterparts continues to resonate in contemporary cinema. Directors like Quentin Tarantino and Christopher Nolan have acknowledged their debt to the stylistic innovations and narrative experimentation of the New Wave filmmakers. The emphasis on realism, personal expression, and challenging conventional storytelling techniques remains a vital force in film today. The Criterion Collection recently featured an article, “Talking Welles With the Great Jeanne Moreau,” demonstrating the continued relevance of these cinematic pioneers and their collaborators.

the early films of Jean-Luc Godard, as discussed by Book and Film Globe, remain essential viewing for understanding the evolution of modern cinema. Jacobin emphasizes that “You Can’t Imagine Modern Cinema Without Jean-Luc Godard,” underscoring his pivotal role in shaping the art form.

As cinema continues to evolve in the 21st century, the lessons of La Nouvelle Vague and the other “new waves” remain profoundly relevant. The pursuit of innovative storytelling, the embrace of stylistic experimentation, and the commitment to reflecting the complexities of the human experience will undoubtedly continue to drive the art of filmmaking forward. The ongoing rediscovery and re-evaluation of these movements ensures their enduring influence on future generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.

What new cinematic movements will emerge to challenge and redefine the boundaries of film in the years to come? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

The 2026 BAFTA Awards were overshadowed by controversy after Tourette’s Syndrome activist John Davidson shouted a racial slur during a presentation, sparking widespread criticism of the event’s handling of the incident. Prominent figures in Black Hollywood have voiced their disappointment with the BAFTAs’ response, arguing it failed to adequately address the harm caused by the outburst and prioritized other disruptions over the impact on those directly targeted.

Davidson, who has severe Tourette’s, involuntarily used the N-word as actors Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the award for Best Visual Effects. Production designer Hannah Beachler, whose work includes the film Sinners, reported hearing the slur multiple times throughout the evening, including once directed at her personally. The incident has ignited a debate about balancing inclusivity and addressing harmful language, even when stemming from a neurological condition.

The fallout from the incident centers on the BAFTAs’ apology, delivered by host Alan Cumming, which many found insufficient. Cumming addressed Davidson’s outbursts twice during the show, offering an apology to those “offended” by the “strong language.” However, critics argue this framing minimized the severity of the racial slur and failed to prioritize the harm inflicted on those present.

Criticism from Industry Leaders

Beachler took to social media to express her dissatisfaction with the apology, stating, “I understand and deeply know why This represents an impossible situation. I know we must handle this with grace and continue to push through. But what made the situation worse was the throw away apology of ‘if you were offended.’” This sentiment was echoed by other influential voices within the entertainment industry.

Jamie Foxx, a BAFTA winner in 2005 for his performance in Ray, shared his strong reaction on Instagram, calling the moment “Unacceptable” and adding, “Nah he meant that shit.” Actor Wendell Pierce, known for his role in The Wire, expressed his frustration on social media, stating it was “infuriating that the first reaction wasn’t complete and full throated apologies to Delroy Lindo and Michael B. Jordan. The insult to them takes priority. It doesn’t matter the reasoning for the racist slur.”

Concerns Over Editorial Choices

The BAFTAs’ decision to allow the slur to air, despite the broadcast being on tape delay, has also drawn scrutiny. Clayton Davis, chief awards editor at Variety, criticized the organization for not censoring Davidson’s utilize of the N-word while simultaneously censoring other moments from the ceremony. Davis noted that the clip was then circulated “stripped of context and primed for outrage.” Specifically, he pointed to the editing out of Akinola Davies Jr.’s statement calling for a “Free Palestine” during his acceptance speech and the removal of Paul Thomas Anderson’s use of the word “piss” while accepting Best Director.

Understanding Tourette’s Syndrome and Coprolalia

John Davidson is a well-known advocate for Tourette’s Syndrome, having been honored by Queen Elizabeth II for his work. His life story is the subject of the biopic I Swear, which received five BAFTA nominations at the 2026 awards, with Robert Aramayo winning Best Actor in a Leading Role. It’s crucial to understand that Tourette’s Syndrome is a neurological condition, and while a rare symptom called coprolalia can involve involuntary vocal tics, including offensive language, these outbursts do not reflect the speaker’s personal beliefs or intent. NBC News reports that medical experts emphasize there is no link between Tourette Syndrome and racism.

The incident at the BAFTAs highlights the complexities of navigating inclusivity and addressing harmful language, even when it arises from involuntary actions. The response from Black Hollywood underscores the need for sensitivity and a clear condemnation of racism, regardless of the circumstances. As the conversation continues, it’s likely to prompt further discussion about responsible broadcasting and the importance of prioritizing the impact of harmful language on those directly affected.

Moving forward, the BAFTAs are expected to review their protocols for handling unforeseen disruptions and to engage in further dialogue with community leaders to ensure future events are both inclusive and respectful. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the power of language and the importance of addressing its impact, even in challenging situations.

What are your thoughts on the BAFTAs’ handling of this sensitive situation? Share your opinions in the comments below.