Independent Cinema: Crash Course Film History #12

Summary

This script explores the evolution of film, focusing on movements that defied classical Hollywood cinema. It discusses Italian Neo-Realism's raw depiction of post-WWII life and the French New Wave's innovative storytelling, both influencing the 1970s' New Hollywood Cinema. The rise of blockbusters in the 80s and the 90s' independent cinema are also highlighted, showing a continuous struggle between art and commerce in filmmaking.

Takeaways

• 🎬 Hollywood's reliance on trends often leads to an oversaturation of similar content, such as sequels and superhero movies.
• 🌟 Post-WWII audiences sought a shift from the artificial and formulaic nature of classical Hollywood cinema.
• 🇮🇹 Italian Neo-Realism emerged as a response to Hollywood's dominance, with films like 'Rome: Open City' showcasing raw authenticity.
• 🎥 The scarcity of resources post-war in Italy led to a unique style that reflected the harsh realities of the time, using non-actors and real locations.
• 🇫🇷 The French New Wave movement in the late 1950s challenged the mainstream with innovative techniques and a focus on spontaneous storytelling.
• 📰 French critics from 'Cahiers du cinema' criticized the imitation of Hollywood styles and advocated for a more intelligent cinema experience.
• 🏆 The success of films like 'The 400 Blows' at Cannes Film Festival helped to establish the French New Wave on the global stage.
• 📽️ Technological advancements allowed for a more mobile and spontaneous shooting style, embracing natural lighting and on-location filming.
• 🌍 The influence of Italian Neo-Realism and French New Wave spread worldwide, inspiring 'New Waves' in various countries and post-colonial cinemas.
• 📉 The 1948 antitrust lawsuit against Hollywood studios led to a more open market for diverse films, paving the way for independent cinema.
• 💸 The 1960s-70s saw a rise in American independent films like 'Bonnie and Clyde' and 'Easy Rider', which challenged the studio system and found commercial success.

Q & A

What was the common perception of Hollywood films post-World War II?

Post-World War II, audiences around the globe were getting tired of Hollywood films, calling them artificial, self-important, and inauthentic.

What is Italian Neo-Realism and how did it differ from classical Hollywood cinema?

Italian Neo-Realism was a film movement characterized by a raw and authentic style, often using non-actors, real locations, and a rough look. It differed from classical Hollywood cinema, which was known for its formulaic, upbeat stories, and polished, studio-shot productions.

Who were some of the key filmmakers of Italian Neo-Realism?

Key filmmakers of Italian Neo-Realism included Roberto Rossellini and Vittorio de Sica, who started shooting films as soon as the fighting of World War II ended.

What was the significance of 'Rome: Open City' in the context of Italian Neo-Realism?

'Rome: Open City' was the first Italian Neo-Realist film, directed by Roberto Rossellini, and it set the tone for the movement with its raw depiction of life under Nazi occupation, using non-actors and real locations.

How did the French New Wave challenge the classical Hollywood style?

The French New Wave challenged the classical Hollywood style by making films with minimal crews, lightweight equipment, and natural lighting. They also used techniques like jump-cuts and characters addressing the camera directly to break the fourth wall and create a more spontaneous and authentic feel.

Who were some of the prominent figures of the French New Wave?

Prominent figures of the French New Wave included Jean-Luc Godard, François Truffaut, Jacques Rivette, and Claude Chabrol, who were initially film critics before becoming filmmakers.

What was the impact of the 1948 antitrust lawsuit on Hollywood studios?

The 1948 antitrust lawsuit, United States versus Paramount Pictures, Inc., forced major studios to give up their theater chains, theoretically opening the marketplace to a wider variety of films.

How did the films 'Bonnie and Clyde' and 'Easy Rider' influence American cinema?

The films 'Bonnie and Clyde' and 'Easy Rider' were influential in American cinema as they challenged the studio system, introduced a new style of filmmaking, and demonstrated that independent films could be both critically acclaimed and financially successful.

What is meant by 'New Hollywood Cinema' and when did it occur?

'New Hollywood Cinema' refers to a period from about 1967 to 1980 when major Hollywood studios began to finance and produce films made by filmmakers with original visions, leading to a wave of creative and experimental films.

Why did the era of New Hollywood Cinema come to an end?

The era of New Hollywood Cinema ended due to several factors: increasing budgets and box office pressures, the rise of blockbuster films that offered escapism, and the studios being purchased by multinational corporations that changed the filmmaking process to focus more on marketability and less on artistic risk.

How did the 1990s see a resurgence of independent filmmaking?

The 1990s saw a resurgence of independent filmmaking with the emergence of new directors like Spike Lee, Steven Soderbergh, Paul Thomas Anderson, and Quentin Tarantino, who made films for independent companies and continued the tradition of creating original and risky American films.