New Hollywood

Definition

New Hollywood refers to a movement in American cinema during the late 1960s to the early 1980s, characterized by a new wave of filmmakers who introduced innovative storytelling techniques, greater artistic freedom, and a focus on youth culture. This era marked a shift from the studio system to a more director-driven approach, where filmmakers gained more control over their projects and challenged traditional genre conventions, reflecting the social changes of the time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New Hollywood movement emerged in response to declining box office revenues and increasing competition from television in the 1960s.
2. Filmmakers like Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Steven Spielberg became key figures during this period, creating films that pushed boundaries in terms of themes and techniques.
3. Many films from this era incorporated elements of realism and explored complex characters, often addressing social issues such as war, class struggle, and identity.
4. The MPAA rating system was established in 1968, allowing filmmakers more freedom to address adult themes while providing guidance to audiences about content.
5. This movement eventually gave way to a more commercial approach in the late 1970s and 1980s as studios began to focus on franchises and blockbuster hits.

Review Questions

• How did the New Hollywood movement influence the role of directors in American cinema?
  • The New Hollywood movement significantly shifted the power dynamics in American cinema by empowering directors to take creative control over their films. Unlike the previous studio system that prioritized producers and executives, this movement highlighted filmmakers like Martin Scorsese and Francis Ford Coppola as central figures whose personal visions shaped their works. This change encouraged innovation in storytelling and aesthetics, allowing directors to explore complex themes that resonated with contemporary audiences.
• Discuss how social changes in America during the 1960s and 1970s were reflected in the films of the New Hollywood era.
  • Films from the New Hollywood era often mirrored the social upheaval of the 1960s and 1970s, addressing issues like anti-war sentiment, civil rights movements, and counterculture lifestyles. Directors utilized cinematic techniques that focused on realism and character depth, which allowed them to authentically portray societal challenges. Movies like 'Easy Rider' captured the essence of youth rebellion and disillusionment, showcasing how filmmakers responded to and influenced public discourse on pressing cultural topics.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of the New Hollywood movement on contemporary filmmaking practices and genre conventions.
  • The New Hollywood movement laid the groundwork for modern filmmaking by establishing a precedent for director-driven projects that prioritize artistic vision over traditional studio control. The experimentation with genre conventions during this period opened doors for future filmmakers to blend styles and challenge expectations. Today, many filmmakers continue to draw inspiration from this era's focus on authenticity and complex narratives while also grappling with commercial pressures similar to those faced by directors in the late 1970s. This legacy can be seen in today's diverse film landscape, where unique voices strive for creative expression amidst industry constraints.

Related terms

Auteur Theory: A film theory that emphasizes the director as the primary creative force behind a film, asserting that their personal style and vision are reflected in their work.

Blockbuster: A term used to describe high-budget films that are designed to attract large audiences, often featuring extensive marketing campaigns and wide releases.

Counterculture:

A cultural movement that emerged in the 1960s, characterized by opposition to mainstream values and norms, influencing art, music, and cinema during the New Hollywood era.