Cultural Watchlist

French New Wave

4 articles

A stylish couple in a Parisian street, reminiscent of French New Wave cinema, with a vintage car in the background.
Long Reads

Essential French New Wave Films

In 1958, François Truffaut's low-budget, autobiographical debut film, 'The 400 Blows', not only won Best Director at Cannes but sparked a revolution that forever changed cinema.

Arthur Vance·June 16, 2026
A vintage film projector in a dark room, symbolizing the historical roots and enduring magic of auteur theory in filmmaking.
Long Reads

What is Auteur Theory and Why Does it Still Matter in Filmmaking?

Just five years after François Truffaut's seminal 1954 essay, the French New Wave exploded onto the global stage, fundamentally reshaping cinema.

Arthur Vance·June 6, 2026
A dynamic, black and white street scene capturing the rebellious spirit of French New Wave cinema with a young couple and a handheld camera.
Long Reads

What is French New Wave Cinema and Why Does it Still Matter?

In 1960, Jean-Luc Godard's A Bout de Souffle shattered cinematic norms.

Arthur Vance·June 3, 2026
A young, defiant protagonist in a Parisian street, embodying the rebellious spirit of French New Wave cinema.

What Were French New Wave Cinema Techniques and Films?

Claire Maurier, the actress known for her role as the narcissistic mother in François Truffaut's seminal 1959 film The 400 Blows , has died at 97, as reported by The New York Times .

Arthur Vance·May 15, 2026