Glossary

6.1 Origins and characteristics of the British New Wave

5 min read•july 30, 2024

The British New Wave emerged in the late 1950s, reflecting post-war social changes and working-class experiences. It drew inspiration from Italian Neorealism and French New Wave, emphasizing realistic aesthetics, innovative techniques, and character-driven narratives.

This movement was closely tied to the "Angry Young Men" literary movement, which critiqued the British class system. Both explored themes of social discontent, generational conflict, and working-class alienation, shaping the authentic and gritty style of British New Wave cinema.

Emergence of the British New Wave

Post-War Social and Economic Changes

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  • Post-World War II economic recovery and social changes in Britain created a backdrop for the emergence of the British New Wave in the late 1950s and early 1960s
  • Decline of traditional industries and rise of youth culture contributed to a shift in societal values and expectations, influencing themes explored in British New Wave films
  • Class consciousness and social mobility became central concerns in British society, reflected in narratives and characters of New Wave cinema
  • Expansion of higher education and increased access to cultural experiences for working-class youth led to a new perspective on British society, often depicted in New Wave films

Government Support and Cultural Influences

  • Government policies (Welfare State and Arts Council of Great Britain) provided financial support for new artistic endeavors, including independent film production
  • Emergence of "" in literature and theatre directly influenced British New Wave's focus on working-class life and social issues
  • Arts Council funding supported experimental theatre groups (Theatre Workshop) and film workshops, nurturing new talent
  • Establishment of the British Film Institute Experimental Film Fund in 1952 provided crucial support for aspiring filmmakers

Changing Media Landscape

  • Introduction of commercial television in 1955 created new opportunities for writers and directors to explore social issues
  • Rise of independent cinema chains allowed for wider distribution of non-mainstream films
  • Influence of Free Cinema documentary movement (1956-1959) emphasized realism and social commentary in filmmaking
  • Growing influence of film criticism and film societies fostered intellectual discussions about cinema's role in society

Visual Style of the British New Wave

Realistic Aesthetics

  • Location shooting in industrial cities and working-class neighborhoods emphasized authenticity and gritty realism in visual aesthetic
  • Handheld camera work and natural lighting frequently employed to create documentary-like feel and immediacy in storytelling
  • Use of black-and-white cinematography in many British New Wave films enhanced stark, realistic portrayal of working-class environments and emotional landscapes
  • Incorporation of real locations (factories, pubs, terraced houses) added visual authenticity to the films

Innovative Techniques

  • Innovative editing techniques (jump cuts and non-linear narratives) challenged traditional cinematic conventions and reflected fragmented experiences of characters
  • Experimental use of sound design, including overlapping dialogue and ambient noise, enhanced realism
  • Integration of popular music (jazz and early rock 'n' roll) into film soundtracks reflected changing cultural landscape and youth culture of the era
  • Adoption of French New Wave techniques (long takes, improvised dialogue) in some British New Wave films

Character-Driven Narratives

  • Character-driven narratives focusing on internal struggles and everyday experiences of working-class protagonists became hallmark of the movement
  • British New Wave filmmakers often incorporated regional dialects and colloquialisms in dialogue, adding authenticity to portrayals of working-class life
  • Use of voice-over narration in some films provided insight into characters' thoughts and feelings
  • Emphasis on psychological realism and complex character motivations in storytelling

Influences on the British New Wave

Italian Neorealism

  • Italian Neorealism's focus on and lives of ordinary people directly influenced British New Wave's commitment to portraying working-class experiences
  • Use of non-professional actors and location shooting in Italian Neorealist films inspired similar practices in British New Wave cinema, enhancing authenticity and realism
  • Influence of Italian Neorealist directors (Vittorio De Sica, Roberto Rossellini) on British filmmakers' approach to social issues
  • Adoption of Neorealist themes (poverty, unemployment, social injustice) in British New Wave narratives

French New Wave

  • French New Wave's experimentation with narrative structure and editing techniques influenced British filmmakers to adopt more innovative storytelling approaches
  • Auteur theory, popularized by French New Wave critics and filmmakers, encouraged British directors to develop distinctive personal styles and themes in their work
  • Influence of French New Wave directors (François Truffaut, Jean-Luc Godard) on British filmmakers' visual style and narrative techniques
  • Adoption of French New Wave's critique of bourgeois society in British New Wave films

Shared Influences and Production Methods

  • Both Italian Neorealism and French New Wave emphasized importance of social critique in cinema, which became central aspect of British New Wave films
  • Low-budget production methods of Italian Neorealism and French New Wave provided model for British filmmakers working outside mainstream studio system
  • Influence of documentary filmmaking techniques on all three movements, emphasizing realism and social observation
  • Shared focus on youth culture and generational conflict across Italian Neorealism, French New Wave, and British New Wave

British New Wave and the "Angry Young Men"

Literary and Theatrical Origins

  • 'Angry Young Men' movement, originating in literature and theatre, provided thematic foundation for British New Wave cinema, focusing on social discontent and generational conflict
  • Key literary works by 'Angry Young Men' writers (John Osborne's "Look Back in Anger", 's "") adapted into seminal British New Wave films
  • Movement's critique of British class system and social mobility became central themes in New Wave cinema, exploring frustrations and aspirations of working-class characters
  • 'Angry Young Men' emphasis on regional identities and dialects influenced authentic representation of diverse British accents and cultures in New Wave films

Thematic Influences

  • Movement's exploration of masculinity in crisis and changing gender roles informed complex male protagonists often featured in British New Wave cinema
  • Disillusionment with traditional values and institutions expressed by 'Angry Young Men' writers reflected in anti-establishment tone of many New Wave films
  • Exploration of generational conflict and youth rebellion in 'Angry Young Men' literature translated into similar themes in British New Wave cinema
  • Focus on working-class alienation and frustration with social limitations became recurring motifs in New Wave films

Stylistic Impact

  • 'Angry Young Men' movement's impact extended beyond thematic concerns, influencing raw, confrontational style of performance and dialogue in British New Wave cinema
  • Adoption of colloquial language and regional accents from 'Angry Young Men' literature in film dialogue
  • Influence of theatrical staging and performance styles from 'Angry Young Men' plays on film direction and acting
  • Integration of social realism and psychological depth from 'Angry Young Men' literature into film narratives and character development

Key Terms to Review (18)

1950s and 1960s social change: The 1950s and 1960s were marked by significant social transformations across various societies, characterized by movements advocating for civil rights, gender equality, and anti-war sentiments. These changes influenced cultural expressions in film and art, leading to a push for more realistic and socially conscious narratives in cinema. This period saw filmmakers challenge traditional norms and depict the struggles of everyday life, reflecting the evolving societal values and the desire for authenticity.
A Taste of Honey: A Taste of Honey is a groundbreaking 1960 British film that explores themes of class, race, and gender through the story of a young woman, Jo, who navigates her complicated relationships and societal expectations. The film represents the emerging British New Wave movement, marked by its focus on social realism and a departure from traditional filmmaking techniques. Its narrative emphasizes the struggles of working-class characters, particularly women, against a backdrop of post-war Britain.
Alan Sillitoe: Alan Sillitoe was a British author and playwright, best known for his novel 'Saturday Night and Sunday Morning,' which captures the spirit of working-class life in post-war England. His works are often associated with the British New Wave movement, reflecting the socio-political issues of the time through gritty realism and complex characters.
Albert Finney: Albert Finney was a renowned British actor and director, celebrated for his diverse roles across film, television, and theater from the late 1950s to the early 21st century. His contributions significantly shaped the British New Wave movement, reflecting the era's focus on authentic, gritty storytelling and complex characters that mirrored real-life issues faced in society.
BAFTA Awards: The BAFTA Awards, or the British Academy of Film and Television Arts Awards, are prestigious accolades presented annually in the UK to recognize excellence in film and television. They are considered one of the most important awards in the entertainment industry, similar to the Oscars in the United States, and play a significant role in highlighting the achievements of filmmakers and actors in the British film community.
Cannes Film Festival: The Cannes Film Festival is one of the most prestigious and celebrated film festivals in the world, held annually in Cannes, France. It serves as a key platform for showcasing international cinema, promoting artistic expression, and connecting filmmakers and audiences from around the globe.
Julie Christie: Julie Christie is an acclaimed British actress known for her significant contributions to film during the 1960s and beyond. She became a prominent figure in the British New Wave movement, which was characterized by a focus on social realism and youth culture, often reflecting the changing attitudes of post-war Britain. Christie's performances often showcased strong female characters that resonated with audiences and aligned with the themes of this transformative era in cinema.
Karel Reisz: Karel Reisz was a prominent British film director, known for his influential role in the British New Wave movement during the 1960s. He is recognized for his innovative storytelling and his focus on realistic narratives that often explored social issues, including class and gender dynamics, which were central to the films of this period.
Kitchen sink realism: Kitchen sink realism is a movement in British cinema that emerged in the late 1950s, characterized by its focus on the everyday lives of working-class characters and their struggles. It sought to portray a raw and unfiltered view of life, often addressing social issues and personal dilemmas, which resonated with audiences looking for authenticity in storytelling. The term connects to the broader narrative of social realism and reflects the cultural landscape of post-war Britain.
Lindsay Anderson: Lindsay Anderson was a prominent British film director known for his influential work during the British New Wave movement, characterized by its focus on realism and social commentary. His films often highlighted class struggles and societal issues, making him a key figure in examining the complexities of British life in the post-war era. Anderson's unique style and thematic concerns reflect the broader characteristics of the British New Wave, while also exploring significant gender issues through his complex characters.
Naturalistic dialogue: Naturalistic dialogue refers to a style of writing and performance in which the dialogue mimics the way people actually speak in real life, capturing the nuances, rhythms, and imperfections of everyday conversation. This approach enhances the authenticity of characters and narratives, making stories more relatable and immersive for audiences. It often incorporates colloquialisms, interruptions, and unfinished thoughts to reflect the complexities of human interaction.
On-location shooting: On-location shooting refers to the practice of filming scenes at real-world settings rather than in a controlled studio environment. This approach enhances the authenticity and realism of a film, allowing filmmakers to capture genuine landscapes, architecture, and social environments that contribute to storytelling. It has been particularly significant in movements like Italian Neorealism and the British New Wave, where the aim was to depict the true nature of life and society.
Post-war Britain: Post-war Britain refers to the period in the United Kingdom following World War II, characterized by significant social, economic, and political changes as the country sought to rebuild after the devastation of the war. This era saw the emergence of a new cultural landscape, including a shift towards realism in the arts and cinema, as filmmakers began to address contemporary social issues and the everyday lives of working-class people. The impact of the war and the desire for a more equitable society shaped the narrative and thematic focus of British cinema during this time.
Saturday Night and Sunday Morning: Saturday Night and Sunday Morning is a British film released in 1960, directed by Karel Reisz, which captures the struggles of working-class life in post-war England. This film is pivotal as it reflects the influence of the British New Wave, showcasing a raw and realistic portrayal of social issues, particularly focusing on class and gender dynamics. Its narrative style and character-driven storytelling are deeply rooted in the innovations brought forth by the French New Wave, making it a crucial link between these two cinematic movements.
Sheila Delaney: Sheila Delaney is a British playwright and screenwriter known for her influential work in the 1950s and 1960s that helped shape the British New Wave movement. Her play 'A Taste of Honey' is particularly notable for its raw, realistic portrayal of working-class life and its strong female characters, challenging traditional gender roles and social norms. Delaney's writing style and themes resonated with the new wave filmmakers, who were seeking to depict authentic stories from contemporary British society.
Social Realism: Social realism is an artistic movement that aims to depict the everyday life and struggles of ordinary people, often highlighting social issues, economic hardship, and political struggles. It emerged as a response to the idealized portrayals of life in art and cinema, seeking to create a more authentic representation of reality and the human experience.
Working-class struggles: Working-class struggles refer to the challenges and conflicts faced by individuals in lower socioeconomic positions, particularly regarding labor rights, economic inequality, and social justice. These struggles often manifest in forms of protest, activism, and representation in art and media, showcasing the experiences and aspirations of working-class individuals. This term is crucial in understanding the narratives portrayed in various cinematic movements that emphasize realism and social critique.
Youth alienation: Youth alienation refers to the sense of isolation and disconnection that young people often feel from society, their peers, and even their families. This feeling is often rooted in the lack of understanding or support from adults, cultural expectations, and societal pressures. It highlights the struggles faced by youth in navigating their identities and emotions in a rapidly changing world, particularly in artistic expressions like cinema, where these themes are often portrayed.
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