American New Hollywood

Definition

American New Hollywood refers to a film movement that emerged in the late 1960s and continued into the 1980s, characterized by a new wave of filmmakers who introduced innovative storytelling techniques, challenged traditional narrative forms, and focused on complex characters and themes. This era marked a significant shift in the American film industry as young directors began to gain creative control and push the boundaries of cinematic expression, reflecting the social changes and cultural upheavals of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The American New Hollywood era was marked by directors like Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Steven Spielberg, who brought fresh perspectives and new storytelling techniques to mainstream cinema.
2. This movement arose partly as a response to the declining box office revenues of traditional Hollywood films in the 1960s, prompting studios to take risks on new and experimental projects.
3. New Hollywood films often featured anti-heroes and morally ambiguous characters, moving away from the clear-cut distinctions between good and evil commonly seen in earlier films.
4. Key films from this era include 'Easy Rider,' 'The Godfather,' and 'Taxi Driver,' each of which pushed narrative boundaries and tackled contemporary social issues.
5. The decline of New Hollywood in the late 1970s was influenced by the rise of blockbuster filmmaking, which favored franchises and high-concept films over the character-driven stories that defined this movement.

Review Questions

• How did American New Hollywood filmmakers challenge traditional storytelling techniques?
  • American New Hollywood filmmakers pushed against traditional storytelling by incorporating complex characters, ambiguous moral dilemmas, and non-linear narratives. They broke away from established conventions by exploring social issues and presenting more realistic portrayals of life, which resonated with audiences during a time of cultural upheaval. Films like 'The Graduate' illustrated these changes by focusing on personal conflict and societal critique rather than formulaic plots.
• In what ways did the rise of the auteur theory impact the American New Hollywood movement?
  • The rise of auteur theory during the American New Hollywood movement placed significant emphasis on the director as a creative visionary responsible for their film's artistic direction. This perspective allowed directors like Coppola and Scorsese to imprint their unique styles onto their works, promoting creative risks that diverged from mainstream expectations. As a result, films became more personal and reflective of individual artistic expression, showcasing diverse voices that contributed to a richer cinematic landscape.
• Analyze how cultural changes during the 1960s influenced the themes found in New Hollywood films.
  • The cultural changes of the 1960s, including the rise of counterculture movements and widespread social unrest, deeply influenced New Hollywood films by shaping their themes around rebellion and disillusionment. Filmmakers responded to changing societal values by creating narratives that questioned authority and addressed issues such as war, race, and identity. Movies like 'Easy Rider' reflected these sentiments through their portrayal of anti-establishment characters seeking freedom, ultimately marking a transformative moment in American cinema that mirrored the broader cultural landscape.

Related terms

Blockbuster: A term used to describe a film that is highly successful at the box office, typically featuring high production values and broad audience appeal, often associated with the later developments of the New Hollywood era.

Auteur Theory: A concept in film criticism that emphasizes the director as the primary creative force behind a film, suggesting that their personal vision and style can be seen throughout their body of work.

Counterculture: A social movement that emerged in the 1960s, rejecting mainstream values and norms, which influenced many films during the American New Hollywood period, reflecting themes of rebellion and societal critique.