The New Hollywood Era

Definition

The New Hollywood Era refers to a transformative period in American cinema from the late 1960s to the early 1980s, characterized by a shift from studio-controlled filmmaking to a more director-driven approach. This era saw the rise of innovative filmmakers who embraced new storytelling techniques, challenged traditional norms, and incorporated social issues into their narratives. The impact of this movement extended beyond film, influencing television comedy and leading to more daring, unconventional content on the small screen.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New Hollywood Era began with films like 'Easy Rider' (1969), which reflected the changing social landscape and resonated with younger audiences seeking authenticity.
2. Directors such as Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and George Lucas emerged as key figures during this period, crafting iconic films that pushed boundaries in narrative and style.
3. This era also marked the decline of the Production Code, allowing filmmakers greater freedom in depicting violence, sexuality, and complex characters.
4. Television began to adopt some of the cinematic techniques popularized during the New Hollywood Era, resulting in more sophisticated narratives and character development in comedy shows.
5. By the early 1980s, blockbusters like 'Star Wars' (1977) changed the industry landscape again, leading to a new focus on franchise filmmaking and commercial viability.

Review Questions

• How did the New Hollywood Era influence the creative direction of television comedies during its time?
  • The New Hollywood Era shifted creative control from studios to directors, encouraging unique storytelling approaches that made their way into television. Comedies began to incorporate more complex characters, social issues, and innovative formats inspired by films of the time. Shows started to break away from traditional sitcom structures, reflecting the era's emphasis on authenticity and character-driven narratives.
• What are some key characteristics of films produced during the New Hollywood Era that distinguish them from earlier cinema?
  • Films from the New Hollywood Era are often marked by their focus on realism, character depth, and themes that reflect contemporary society. Directors embraced an auteur approach, creating personal and distinctive works that challenged traditional storytelling. The era also welcomed a more diverse range of voices and perspectives in filmmaking, moving away from formulaic plots typical of earlier studio productions.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the New Hollywood Era on both cinema and television comedy in subsequent decades.
  • The New Hollywood Era had lasting effects on both cinema and television comedy by establishing new standards for narrative complexity and character development. It paved the way for independent filmmakers who sought creative freedom outside major studios, influencing modern storytelling across both mediums. Additionally, its impact can be seen in contemporary television's embrace of anti-heroes and serialized storytelling, which often mirrors filmic techniques developed during this transformative period.

Related terms

Auteur Theory: A critical framework that positions the director as the primary creative force behind a film, emphasizing their personal vision and style in the filmmaking process.

Counterculture: A social movement that emerged in the 1960s, opposing mainstream cultural norms and advocating for alternative lifestyles, which significantly influenced film and television narratives during the New Hollywood Era.

Independent Cinema: Films produced outside the major studio system, often characterized by lower budgets and more artistic freedom, which became prominent during and after the New Hollywood Era.