Richard Linklater Addresses Trump’s Film Tariff Threat at Cannes

At the recent Cannes press conference for his latest film, Nouvelle Vague, director Richard Linklater didn’t hold back on his thoughts regarding former President Donald Trump’s proposal to impose hefty tariffs on foreign-made films. His comments echo the concerns many in the film industry are feeling as international collaborations and global storytelling become increasingly crucial.

Linklater’s Perspective on Tariffs

In response to the suggestion of a 100% tax on films produced outside the United States, Linklater expressed skepticism. “That’s not going to happen, right?” he quipped, highlighting Trump’s tendency to change his stance frequently. He added, “It’s the one export industry in the U.S.; it would be kind of dumb to… Whatever, we don’t have to talk about that.” His remarks reflect a wider sentiment within the industry that the proposed tariffs could harm U.S. filmmakers more than they would help them.

Linklater, known for his ability to capture human emotion and experience on screen, directed Nouvelle Vague, a film exploring the legacy of Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless. Addressing whether film production costs have risen in the U.S., he offered a refreshing perspective. “I think the true indie film, the no-budget film, has cost the same for the last 60 years. It’s always about how much you have, so that doesn’t change much.”

A Call to Action for Los Angeles

Zoey Deutch, who stars as Jean Seberg in Nouvelle Vague, echoed Linklater’s sentiments, expressing her desire to see more films made in Los Angeles. “The history and the studios and the culture and the crews, it would be so beautiful,” she noted. Deutch recently completed a film in LA and described the experience as “magical,” drawing parallels between the iconic film hub and the rich history found in places like Paris.

Linklater chimed in, praising France for its approach to nurturing its film industry. “They make sure it’s healthy and they nurture it and they help it. The government, everyone is all in,” he stated. This emphasis on support for domestic filmmakers could serve as a model for U.S. policies, suggesting that the American film industry also needs a boost in protection and guidance.

The Release of Nouvelle Vague

Nouvelle Vague premiered at Cannes to an enthusiastic reception, with critics noting the film’s attention to detail and homage to cinematic history. Variety’s Owen Gleiberman highlighted Guillaume Marbeck’s performance as Godard, remarking, “He’s so perfect as Jean-Luc Godard that he’s uncanny.” This marks Linklater’s first project filmed in French, a significant milestone in his illustrious career.

During the conference, Linklater also reflected on the broader state of cinema. Despite challenges imposed by the ongoing evolution of the industry, he feels optimistic about its future, particularly due to the enthusiasm seen from younger audiences. He referred to this emerging generation as the “Letterboxd generation,” acknowledging their passion for discovering and promoting independent films.

“Cinema is optimistic — it has to be,” Linklater said, addressing the fears that have loomed over the industry for decades. “It always feels under attack, you know? I’ve had movies out for over 30 years now, and it’s always, ‘Things are terrible, it’s tough.’ And it is tough, it’s a struggle — but it always has been.”

Linklater’s insights remind us that even amidst fluctuating industry trends, the passion for storytelling persists. He highlighted that while there are new threats, storytelling through feature films remains a vital and embraced format.

In conclusion, Linklater’s remarks at Cannes highlight not only his views on Trump’s proposed tariffs but also reflect a deeper understanding of the American film industry’s current landscape. As Nouvelle Vague garners attention, it represents more than just a film; it symbolizes a call to recognize and nurture the vibrant storytelling culture in cinema.

For more insights into the evolution of cinema and filmmaker perspectives, check out our analyses on the growing indie film scene and the latest trends in filmmaking today.