New Hollywood

Definition

New Hollywood refers to a period in American cinema from the late 1960s to the early 1980s, marked by a shift in filmmaking style and narrative that prioritized artistic expression and innovative storytelling. This era saw a rise in independent filmmakers who challenged traditional studio systems and created films that reflected contemporary social issues, blending genres and utilizing a more personal, often avant-garde approach to filmmaking. The movement is also closely tied to the emergence of auteur directors who took creative control over their projects, which ties into broader discussions of film genres and individual artistry in cinema.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New Hollywood movement emerged as filmmakers reacted against the constraints of the traditional studio system, allowing for greater artistic expression and experimentation.
2. Films like 'Easy Rider' (1969) and 'The Graduate' (1967) are often credited with paving the way for this new wave of filmmaking by addressing social issues relevant to contemporary audiences.
3. Directors such as Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Steven Spielberg rose to prominence during this period, demonstrating the significance of the auteur theory in shaping their films.
4. New Hollywood films often blended genres, combining elements of drama, thriller, and comedy to create complex narratives that appealed to diverse audiences.
5. The decline of New Hollywood began in the late 1970s with the rise of high-budget blockbusters and franchise filmmaking, which shifted focus away from personal storytelling.

Review Questions

• How did the New Hollywood movement influence the development of film genres during its time?
  • The New Hollywood movement influenced film genres by encouraging filmmakers to blend various styles and narratives, resulting in innovative storytelling techniques. Directors began experimenting with genre conventions, often mixing elements of drama with comedy or thriller aspects to create complex narratives that resonated with contemporary issues. This blending helped establish new subgenres and contributed to a richer landscape in American cinema during this period.
• Discuss how auteur directors during New Hollywood redefined the role of the filmmaker in relation to studio systems.
  • Auteur directors during New Hollywood redefined the role of the filmmaker by asserting creative control over their projects, often bypassing traditional studio constraints. They pushed for artistic expression and personal vision, leading to films that were deeply reflective of their own experiences and societal observations. This shift not only elevated the status of directors but also initiated a more collaborative approach among writers, producers, and actors, emphasizing storytelling over mere commercial viability.
• Evaluate the impact of New Hollywood on contemporary filmmaking practices and its legacy in today's film industry.
  • The impact of New Hollywood on contemporary filmmaking practices can be seen in the continued emphasis on personal storytelling and independent film production. Many filmmakers today draw inspiration from the artistic freedoms established during this era, often challenging mainstream norms while exploring social issues through their work. The legacy of New Hollywood is evident in modern cinematic landscapes where auteur-driven projects coexist with high-budget blockbusters, showcasing a diverse array of narratives that reflect both personal visions and broader cultural themes.

Related terms

Blockbuster: A term used to describe films that achieve significant commercial success, often characterized by high budgets, extensive marketing, and wide release.

Auteur Theory: A concept in film criticism that emphasizes the director as the primary creative force behind a film, suggesting that their personal vision is evident in the final product.

Independent Film: Films produced outside the major studio system, typically with lower budgets, allowing for more creative freedom and unconventional storytelling.