Cahiers du cinéma

Definition

Cahiers du cinéma is a French film magazine founded in 1951 that has played a crucial role in shaping film criticism and theory, particularly through its influence on the French New Wave movement. The magazine is known for its intellectual approach to cinema, emphasizing the director's vision and the importance of auteur theory, which argues that a director's personal style and creative input define a film's artistic identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cahiers du cinéma was founded by André Bazin and other film enthusiasts who sought to elevate film as a legitimate art form worthy of serious critique.
2. The magazine helped launch the careers of many prominent French filmmakers, including François Truffaut, Jean-Luc Godard, and Claude Chabrol, who later became key figures in the French New Wave.
3. Cahiers du cinéma is known for its rigorous analysis of films, often exploring their thematic depth, stylistic choices, and cultural implications.
4. The magazine's influence extended beyond France, impacting film criticism and theory worldwide, and inspiring new generations of filmmakers and critics.
5. Over the years, Cahiers du cinéma has evolved its focus to include not only classic cinema but also contemporary films and global cinema trends.

Review Questions

• How did Cahiers du cinéma contribute to the development of the auteur theory within film criticism?
  • Cahiers du cinéma significantly advanced auteur theory by promoting the idea that directors are the principal authors of their films. The magazine emphasized the personal vision and stylistic choices of directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Jean Renoir, arguing that these elements are what give films their artistic identity. This perspective encouraged critics and filmmakers alike to view cinema as an expression of individual creativity rather than merely a commercial product.
• In what ways did Cahiers du cinéma influence the French New Wave movement in cinema?
  • Cahiers du cinéma played a pivotal role in shaping the French New Wave by not only promoting new cinematic styles but also by nurturing young filmmakers who would later become its leaders. Through its critical lens, the magazine championed innovative storytelling techniques and encouraged a break from traditional narrative structures. The writers of Cahiers du cinéma often transitioned into directing their own films, bringing their critical insights into practice, which led to a dynamic and transformative period in French cinema.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Cahiers du cinéma on global film criticism and filmmaking practices today.
  • The lasting impact of Cahiers du cinéma on global film criticism is profound, as it set a standard for analyzing films not just as entertainment but as complex works of art. The principles laid out by the magazine continue to influence how films are critiqued and appreciated around the world. Modern filmmakers often draw upon auteur theory and thematic exploration popularized by Cahiers du cinéma to infuse their works with personal narratives and distinctive styles, ensuring that the spirit of critical inquiry and artistic integrity remains alive in contemporary cinema.

Related terms

Auteur Theory: A film theory that posits the director as the primary creative force behind a film, emphasizing their unique vision and style as key elements of its artistic value.

French New Wave: A revolutionary movement in cinema during the late 1950s and 1960s that broke away from traditional filmmaking styles, characterized by innovative techniques and a focus on personal storytelling.

Film Criticism: The analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of films, often with an aim to provide insights into the artistic, cultural, and social significance of cinema.