Anti-establishment

Definition

Anti-establishment refers to a political or social stance that opposes or seeks to undermine the authority and influence of established institutions, particularly in government, media, and cultural norms. This concept gained significant traction during the transformative period of American cinema in the 1960s and 1970s, as filmmakers began to challenge traditional storytelling, societal values, and political ideologies, paving the way for new narratives that reflected the growing discontent with the status quo.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The anti-establishment sentiment in the 1960s and 1970s was fueled by social upheaval, including protests against the Vietnam War and civil rights struggles.
2. Filmmakers like Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and William Friedkin created movies that reflected the disillusionment with American society, often portraying flawed characters and bleak realities.
3. Films such as 'Easy Rider' and 'The Graduate' became iconic representations of anti-establishment attitudes, breaking away from conventional Hollywood storytelling and exploring themes of rebellion and alienation.
4. The decline of the Hays Code in 1966 allowed filmmakers greater freedom to express controversial ideas, further promoting anti-establishment narratives on screen.
5. The anti-establishment movement in cinema helped lay the groundwork for more diverse voices in film, paving the way for future generations of filmmakers who challenged societal norms.

Review Questions

• How did the anti-establishment sentiment influence the themes and narratives of films produced during the 1960s and 1970s?
  • The anti-establishment sentiment deeply influenced film narratives by encouraging filmmakers to tackle themes of rebellion, disillusionment, and societal critique. Movies from this period often featured characters who rejected conventional values or found themselves at odds with authority figures. This shift allowed filmmakers to create more authentic and raw portrayals of life, reflecting the complexities of American society at that time.
• Discuss how specific films from the 1960s and 1970s embody anti-establishment ideals through their storytelling techniques and character development.
  • Films like 'Easy Rider' and 'Taxi Driver' embody anti-establishment ideals through their unique storytelling techniques and character arcs. 'Easy Rider' tells the story of two bikers seeking freedom while highlighting societal tensions related to drug culture and individualism. 'Taxi Driver' presents a deeply troubled protagonist navigating a corrupt urban landscape, showcasing themes of alienation and moral ambiguity. Both films break traditional narrative structures, focusing on complex characters that challenge mainstream societal values.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of anti-establishment cinema on subsequent generations of filmmakers and their approach to storytelling.
  • The long-term impact of anti-establishment cinema has been profound, shaping how filmmakers approach storytelling across genres. The willingness to address controversial issues, explore marginalized voices, and challenge societal norms paved the way for later movements such as indie cinema and diverse representation in film. This legacy encourages filmmakers today to push boundaries, embrace authenticity, and reflect contemporary social struggles through their work, ensuring that anti-establishment ideals continue to resonate in modern storytelling.

Related terms

Counterculture:

A social movement that actively rejects and opposes dominant cultural norms and values, often characterized by alternative lifestyles and artistic expressions.

New Hollywood:

A movement in American filmmaking during the late 1960s to early 1980s, marked by a group of young directors who broke away from traditional studio practices to create more personal and innovative films.

Civil Rights Movement: A pivotal social movement in the United States that sought to end racial discrimination and ensure equal rights for African Americans, influencing cultural expressions in film and media.