Film History: The Foreign Wave - Timeline of Cinema Ep. 4

Summary

In this episode of 'A Timeline of World Cinema,' host Bradley Weatherholt delves into the Foreign New Wave, an international movement that redefined cinema as both an art form and a mode of national expression post-World War II. The episode explores influential figures like André Bazin, who introduced the auteur theory, and iconic films such as 'Bicycle Thieves,' 'The 400 Blows,' and 'Seven Samurai.' It also highlights the cross-cultural influence between European, American, and Japanese filmmakers, setting the stage for a global cinematic evolution.

Takeaways

• 🎥 The Foreign New Wave was an international movement that transformed cinema into an art form and a means of national expression.
• 🌐 It emerged as a response to Hollywood's dominance and the cultural impact of post-World War II, with European countries implementing protectionist policies to preserve their film industries.
• 📰 Cinema magazines played a pivotal role in disseminating the ideas of the movement, with 'Cinema' magazine in Italy being a key publication chronicling Italian Neorealism.
• 🇮🇹 Italian Neorealism, exemplified by films like 'Rome, Open City' and 'Bicycle Thieves', was a significant part of the movement and was influenced by the socio-economic conditions of the time.
• 🤝 The necessity for economic collaboration in film production led to the blending of national cinematic styles, as seen in Federico Fellini's 'La Dolce Vita'.
• 📚 'Cahiers du Cinéma' was the leading French film journal that propelled the French New Wave, featuring critical articles from influential figures like Jean-Luc Godard and François Truffaut.
• 🧠 André Bazin's theoretical framework, emphasizing 'objective reality' in cinema and the 'auteur' theory, had a profound impact on how films were viewed and created.
• 🎬 French New Wave directors like Truffaut and Godard introduced new narrative techniques, such as open-ended stories and jump cuts, which were a departure from traditional filmmaking.
• 🌟 American cinema also had a significant influence on the movement, with directors like Orson Welles and Nicholas Ray being highly regarded for their innovative approaches to film.
• 🎌 Japanese cinema, particularly Akira Kurosawa's 'Rashomon' and 'Seven Samurai', introduced unique storytelling and technical innovations that had a lasting impact on global cinema.
• 🤠 'Seven Samurai' was so influential that it inspired Western films like 'The Magnificent Seven', demonstrating the cross-cultural exchange within the film industry.
• 💬 Despite initial resistance, Hollywood eventually adapted to the changes brought by the Foreign New Wave, with a new generation of directors shaping the future of cinema.

Q & A

What was the primary motivation behind the Foreign New Wave movement in cinema?

The Foreign New Wave movement arose as a response to Hollywood's dominance and the devastation of post-World War II, with European countries instituting protectionist policies to defend their film industries and resist American cultural influence.

How did European countries protect their film industries after World War II?

European countries implemented protectionist policies to defend their film programs, aiming to reduce American influence, especially as American troops occupied Europe, sparking fears of cultural colonization.

What role did the magazine 'Cinema' play in the Italian Neorealism movement?

The Italian magazine 'Cinema' was a pioneering publication that chronicled the Italian Neorealism movement, which emerged from the ruins of Fascism. Ironically, it was edited by Vittorio Mussolini, son of Benito Mussolini.

What film is considered the culmination of the Italian Neorealism movement, and why?

Vittorio De Sica's 'Bicycle Thieves' is considered the culmination of the Italian Neorealism movement. It represents the height of the movement's themes and techniques while also signaling its end due to the changing economic realities of the time.

Who was André Bazin, and why is he significant in the history of cinema?

André Bazin was a cofounder of the film journal 'Cahiers du Cinéma' and is considered one of the most influential thinkers in cinema history. He revolutionized film theory with his emphasis on 'objective reality' and the auteur theory, which argues that the director is the primary author of a film.

What were the main characteristics of the French New Wave films?

French New Wave films, led by directors like François Truffaut and Jean Luc Godard, often featured open-ended stories, existential themes, and innovative techniques like jump cuts to illustrate the passage of time. They emphasized the director's personal vision, aligning with Bazin's auteur theory.

How did Japanese cinema influence global filmmaking during the Foreign New Wave era?

Japanese cinema, particularly through the works of directors like Akira Kurosawa and Yasujirō Ozu, introduced new filmmaking techniques and storytelling methods. Kurosawa's 'Rashomon' and 'Seven Samurai' had a significant impact, with 'Seven Samurai' even influencing Hollywood films like 'The Magnificent Seven' and 'Star Wars.'

What innovations did Akira Kurosawa bring to filmmaking, and how did they impact cinema?

Akira Kurosawa introduced several innovations, such as shooting directly into the sun and using black ink in rain effects for visibility on film. These techniques, along with his unique storytelling methods, had a profound impact on global cinema and inspired future generations of filmmakers, including George Lucas and Steven Spielberg.

What is the significance of 'Seven Samurai' in the history of cinema?

'Seven Samurai' is considered one of the greatest Japanese films ever made. It combined action-packed entertainment with sophisticated artistry, influencing global cinema and serving as a template for future films, including Hollywood's 'The Magnificent Seven' and George Lucas's 'Star Wars.'

How did Hollywood respond to the Foreign New Wave movement?

While the American cinema waned during the Foreign New Wave period, Hollywood eventually struck back with a new class of directors in the decades following, leading to the creation of the blockbuster era. This resurgence will be discussed in the next episode titled 'New Hollywood.'