Key Film Movements to Know for Film Criticism

Film movements have shaped cinema by introducing unique styles and themes, influencing how stories are told. Understanding these movements helps us appreciate the evolution of film and its impact on culture, society, and the art of storytelling.

1. German Expressionism

   • Characterized by distorted sets, exaggerated performances, and a focus on emotional experience over realism.
   • Explores themes of madness, alienation, and the subconscious, often reflecting the socio-political climate of post-World War I Germany.
   • Influential films include "The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari" and "Metropolis," which set visual and thematic precedents for future genres, particularly horror and science fiction.

2. Soviet Montage

   • Emphasizes editing as a means of creating meaning, using juxtaposition of images to evoke emotional responses and convey ideological messages.
   • Key figures include Sergei Eisenstein and Dziga Vertov, who believed in the power of montage to shape audience perception and promote revolutionary ideas.
   • Notable works include "Battleship Potemkin" and "Man with a Movie Camera," which showcase innovative techniques and the potential of film as a political tool.

3. French Impressionism

   • Focuses on subjective experiences and emotions, often using innovative camera techniques and editing to create a dreamlike quality.
   • Explores themes of memory, perception, and the passage of time, reflecting the influence of Impressionist painting.
   • Key films include "The Blood of a Poet" and "La Roue," which highlight the artistic potential of cinema beyond mere storytelling.

4. Italian Neorealism

   • Emerged after World War II, emphasizing the depiction of everyday life and social issues through non-professional actors and on-location shooting.
   • Aims to portray the struggles of the working class and the impact of war on society, often with a sense of realism and authenticity.
   • Influential films include "Bicycle Thieves" and "Rome, Open City," which have shaped the narrative style and thematic concerns of modern cinema.

5. French New Wave

   • Characterized by a break from traditional filmmaking conventions, embracing spontaneity, improvisation, and a self-reflexive approach to storytelling.
   • Key directors like François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard challenged narrative structures and explored themes of youth, love, and existentialism.
   • Notable films include "Breathless" and "The 400 Blows," which have had a lasting impact on independent cinema and auteur theory.

6. Cinema Novo

   • A Brazilian film movement that combines social critique with artistic experimentation, often addressing issues of poverty, inequality, and cultural identity.
   • Influenced by Italian Neorealism and French New Wave, it seeks to challenge the status quo and provoke thought through innovative storytelling.
   • Key films include "Black Orpheus" and "The Hour of the Star," which highlight the complexities of Brazilian society and culture.

7. New Hollywood

   • Emerged in the late 1960s, characterized by a new generation of filmmakers who challenged studio norms and embraced more personal, experimental storytelling.
   • Focuses on anti-heroes, moral ambiguity, and social issues, reflecting the cultural upheaval of the time.
   • Influential films include "Easy Rider" and "The Graduate," which paved the way for a more diverse and innovative approach to filmmaking.

8. Dogme 95

   • A movement founded by Danish filmmakers Lars von Trier and Thomas Vinterberg, emphasizing simplicity and authenticity in filmmaking.
   • Adopts a strict set of rules (the "Vow of Chastity") to eliminate artificial elements, focusing on story, acting, and theme.
   • Notable films include "The Celebration" and "Breaking the Waves," which challenge conventional cinematic techniques and explore human relationships.

9. Film Noir

   • A genre characterized by its dark, moody visuals, morally ambiguous characters, and themes of crime, betrayal, and existential despair.
   • Often features femme fatales and hard-boiled detectives, reflecting post-war anxieties and societal disillusionment.
   • Influential films include "Double Indemnity" and "The Maltese Falcon," which have shaped the conventions of thriller and crime genres.

10. Czech New Wave

    • A movement in the 1960s that combines surrealism, satire, and social commentary, often critiquing the political climate of Czechoslovakia.
    • Emphasizes innovative storytelling techniques and a playful approach to narrative, blending humor with serious themes.
    • Key films include "Daisies" and "The Shop on Main Street," which highlight the absurdities of life under a totalitarian regime and have influenced global cinema.