Evolution of Acting Styles

The New Wave permanently changed French acting in several ways:

1. Naturalism Over Theatricality: The movement's emphasis on location shooting and improvisation created a more naturalistic acting style that influenced all subsequent French cinema.

2. The Personal as Political: Actors increasingly saw their performances as political acts, choosing roles that reflected their social consciousness.

3. Genre Fluidity: The ability to move between art films and commercial cinema became a mark of the serious French actor.

4. Director-Actor Collaborations: Long-term partnerships between directors and actors became more common, creating bodies of work that explored themes in depth.

5. International Outlook: French actors increasingly worked abroad, while maintaining their distinctive approach to the craft.