The key narrative and technical conventions of the French new wave approach to film making wanted to challenge audiences and keep them from becoming complacent while watching. They used many innovative techniques—including jump cuts and actors addressing the audience directly—to remind viewers they were watching a film, and rejected script-based filmmaking in favour of heavy improvisation.

The movement was characterized by its rejection of traditional filmmaking conventions in favour of experimentation and a spirit of iconoclasm. New Wave filmmakers explored new approaches to editing, visual style, and narrative, as well as engagement with the social and political upheavals of the era.

Left bank – The artists more radical in their approach e.g. Chris Marker, who sees film as more of an art form that can be experimented with.

Right bank – The artists are more established and look at the auteur approach. They are called Cahiers du cinéma directors e.g. Jean-Luc Godard.