Disillusionment

Definition

Disillusionment refers to the feeling of disappointment and loss of faith in something that was once believed to be true or ideal. In the context of film, particularly during New Hollywood, disillusionment often reflects the shattered dreams and harsh realities faced by characters, mirroring societal sentiments of the time. This theme underscores a shift from the idealized portrayals typical of earlier cinema to more realistic and often cynical narratives that confront viewers with uncomfortable truths.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. During New Hollywood, filmmakers began to explore themes of disillusionment as a reaction to the cultural upheavals of the 1960s and 1970s, reflecting the loss of faith in authority figures and institutions.
2. Films like 'Easy Rider' and 'Taxi Driver' exemplify characters experiencing disillusionment, portraying their struggles against a backdrop of societal chaos and moral decay.
3. This period marked a departure from the classic Hollywood formula, allowing for more complex storytelling that delved into the darker aspects of human experience.
4. Disillusionment in film is often depicted through visual symbolism, such as stark urban settings or bleak landscapes, enhancing the emotional impact on audiences.
5. The emergence of independent cinema during this era provided a platform for stories that highlighted disillusionment, giving voice to marginalized perspectives and alternative narratives.

Review Questions

• How does disillusionment manifest in the characters and narratives of New Hollywood films?
  • Disillusionment is prominently featured in New Hollywood films through characters who confront harsh realities that clash with their dreams and expectations. These characters often find themselves in morally ambiguous situations where traditional values are questioned, leading to a sense of betrayal by society. The narratives reflect a broader cultural disillusionment, showing how individuals navigate personal crises against a backdrop of social upheaval.
• Discuss the impact of disillusionment on the evolution of cinematic storytelling during the New Hollywood era.
  • Disillusionment significantly influenced cinematic storytelling by pushing filmmakers to adopt more realistic and gritty narratives. As filmmakers began to reject the escapist tendencies of classic Hollywood, they embraced complex characters facing existential dilemmas. This shift allowed for an exploration of themes such as alienation, societal decay, and the questioning of authority, which became hallmarks of New Hollywood cinema and resonated deeply with audiences of the time.
• Evaluate how disillusionment as a theme in New Hollywood films reflects broader societal changes in America during the 1960s and 1970s.
  • Disillusionment in New Hollywood films serves as a mirror to broader societal changes occurring in America during the 1960s and 1970s, including civil rights movements, political scandals like Watergate, and shifts in cultural values. As trust in institutions waned and societal norms were challenged, filmmakers portrayed characters grappling with these disheartening realities. The portrayal of disillusionment not only resonated with audiences but also sparked conversations about morality, identity, and the human condition in an increasingly complex world.

Related terms

Anti-hero: A central character who lacks conventional heroic attributes, often embodying traits such as cynicism, moral ambiguity, and flawed decision-making.

Counterculture: A cultural movement that challenges and opposes the dominant societal norms, often embracing alternative lifestyles and values.

Nihilism: The philosophical belief that life is meaningless and rejects traditional values and beliefs, often leading to a sense of despair.