Have movies changed dramatically since 1965? (Film Final) By Jacob Christopher
Film has evolved a lot since the 60s, however if one aspect of film’s history stayed true to itself it’s the new wave’s capability to avert expectations and challenge the norms of cinema. Movies have always been dynamic since it’s early predecessors of studio movies, however the birth of New Wave cinema is the years of the 1950s and early 60s emerging as the French New Wave, grabbed the narrative and placed it within the hands of the director. Such as an author to a book, the vision of a film should be the personal reflection of a individual’s story.
Where many characteristics that may be observed in the production are smaller budgets and unconventional cinematography choices. Along with the innovative directors such as Agnes Verada, Francois Truffaut and the director of A Bout De Souffle, Jean Luc Goddard. The idea became popular, for a director using their camera as a writer’s pen is seen exemplified in the handheld techniques instrumented in their film. Presenting more of a documentary-like form of filming, utilizing as much natural lighting as possible, as well as the following of characters on screen. Many of the innovations within this period are still seen throughout many of the directing choices utilized in modern independent films.
The Impact of New Wave Cinema
France emerged from World War II in the 1960s, rebuilding the country physically and the nation's national identity through the French Fifth Republic. Under the leadership of President Charles de Gaulle. New Wave Cinema, or "Nouvelle Vague," emerged in France in the late 1950s and 1960s, revolutionizing the film industry with its innovative techniques and storytelling. This movement was characterized by smaller budgets, unconventional cinematography, and innovative narrative structures that challenge traditional filmmaking norms and paving the way for future avant-garde cinema. Often worked with limited financial resources, leading to a more spontaneous and creative approach to filmmaking. This constraint encouraged the use of real locations, natural lighting, and non-professional actors, which contributed to the authenticity and rawness of the films. Techniques such as handheld camera work, natural lighting, and innovative angles were used to create a sense of immediacy and realism. These methods broke away from the polished look of mainstream cinema, bringing a fresh, dynamic visual style to the screen. Focusing on character development and emotional depth, prioritizing personal and psychological experiences over coherent story arcs. Jean Luc Godard's A Bout de Souffle (Breathless) is an iconic New Wave film, exemplifying the movement's groundbreaking techniques and themes. Godard employs jump cuts to disrupt the narrative flow and create a sense of disorientation and immediacy. This technique defies the classical continuity in editing, drawing attention to the deconstructed nature of it’s cinema.
Exemplified in the scene of Michel killing the cop, the camera pans up close to Michel, shows the gun, the cop keeling over, then Michel running away. A scene that is captured in 5 shots within 15 seconds, Goddard has broken the action to it’s barest of essence and robs Michel of any glory.
Social and Political Contextualization in Film
“Of course, Head is an utterly and totally fragmented film. Among other reasons for making it was that I thought I would never get to make another movie, so I might as well make 50 to start out with and put them all in the same feature." - Bob Rafelson
Released in 1968 Head is a film celebrated not for its plot, but for its lack thereof. Released alongside a corresponding album, the film showcases The Monkees navigating a series of hijinks on their movie set, enveloped in a surrealist narrative. The film employs a satirical, tongue-in-cheek approach to its humor and messaging, expressed through its dialogue and formalistic technique cinematography. The Monkees, Hollywood’s TV answer to The Beatles, blurred the lines between actors and musicians, rising to fame from the mid-sixties to 1967. Head is a film that should be seen through the lens of its social and political contexts, examining how it addresses issues of gender, race, social class, and equality.
Head serves as a medium for social and political commentary, using its disjointed narrative to reflect the disillusionment and unrest of the late 60s. The film's satirical tone critiques the media, the entertainment industry, and the political establishment of the time, making it a subversive piece of art. Head addresses class issues subtly, critiquing the consumerism and artificiality of Hollywood and the music industry. The Monkees, as a manufactured band and brand, symbolize the commodification of art and the superficiality of fame.
Released during a period of significant social protest, the Vietnam War and civil rights movement profoundly affected American society. The film's chaotic style and fragmented narrative can reflect the contemporary sense of confusion and upheaval, making it a time capsule of 1968’s cultural and political landscape. The inclusion of real footage of the execution of Nguyễn Văn Lém, grounds the film in the tumultuous reality of its time. These shocking images juxtaposed with the Monkees’ antics create a jarring contrast that forces the audience to confront the harsh truths of the era.
The 90’s Film Genres and Styles
The 1994 Hong Kong electoral reform was a set of significant constitutional changes in the last years of British colonial rule in Hong Kong before the handover of its sovereignty to the People's Republic of China
Wong Kar-Wai’s auteur philosophy is deeply rooted in his approach to storytelling and visual aesthetics. He often collaborates with cinematographer Christopher Doyle, whose innovative use of color and composition enhances the emotional depth and visual impact of Wong’s films. Together they create a cinematic language that is both visually stunning and thematically rich, allowing the audience to experience the characters’ emotions and the city’s atmosphere in a visceral way.
In Chungking Express, Wong Kar-Wai’s focus on character driven narratives and the exploration of existential themes sets him apart as an auteur. His films often eschew traditional plot structures in favor of a more impressionistic approach, capturing the rhythms and nuances of everyday life. This philosophy aligns with the principles of the New Wave movement, which prioritizes artistic expression and innovation over commercial considerations.
Despite the innovative and avant-garde approach of Chungking Express, certain conservative elements persist within its genre and storytelling techniques. The film retains a focus on universal themes of love and heartbreak, which have been central to storytelling across cultures and eras. These themes provide a sense of familiarity and emotional resonance for audiences, grounding the film’s more experimental aspects in relatable human experiences.
Furthermore, Wong Kar-Wai’s use of romantic melodrama and noir elements ties Chungking Express to traditional genres while reinterpreting them through a contemporary lens. The film’s emphasis on visual style and mood over plot driven narratives echoes classic noir films, yet it subverts genre conventions by infusing them with a modern sensibility and a unique cultural context.
The Modern influences of New Wave cinema exemplified through Tangerine (2015)
Sean Baker's 2015 film Tangerine is a modern exemplar of New Wave cinema, demonstrating how innovative techniques and bold storytelling can create a significant cultural impact. Utilizing a estimated budget of $100,000 and grossing approximately $924,793 worldwide, Tangerine stands out not only for its financial success but also for its groundbreaking use of technology and its commitment to authentic representation. At its core, Tangerine is a film deeply engaged with social issues, particularly those faced by the transgender community. By casting transgender actresses Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor in leading roles, the film brought much-needed visibility and authenticity to transgender representation in cinema. The narrative, focusing on friendship, identity, and survival, offers a poignant and often humorous look at the struggles and resilience of minorities in urban environments. This focus on authentic representation contributed to the broader cultural shift towards inclusivity in media.
At its core, Tangerine is a film deeply engaged with social issues, particularly those faced by the transgender community. By casting transgender actresses Kitana Kiki Rodriguez and Mya Taylor in leading roles, the film brought much needed visibility and authenticity to transgender representation in cinema. The narrative, focusing on friendship, identity, and survival, offers a poignant and in humorous tone, looks at the struggles and resilience of minorities in urban environments. This focus on authentic representation contributed to the broader cultural shift towards inclusivity in media.
Tangerine was widely praised for its performances, direction, and innovative production techniques. Released at a time when conversations around transgender representation in media were gaining prominence, the film played a crucial role in advancing these discussions. Its success earned numerous awards and accolades, highlighting the importance of diverse voices in cinema. Furthermore, Tangerine demonstrated the potential of technology to democratize the filmmaking process, inspiring a new generation of filmmakers to embrace innovative and accessible methods.
Critical Resources
Tangerine Critical Resource
Within this dissertation by Paula Lopez, we examine the impact of two films that include transgender representation within their lens, one being Tangerine, giving visibility to the transgender community
Chungking Express Critical Resource
This essay explores the pivotal roles that film festivals such as the ones in Berlin, Venice and New York. Where the evidence becomes relevant to my film is the evidence of Quintin Tarantino's crucial role in helping to distribute Chungking Express to the United States movie market.
Head Critical Resource
In this text we revisit the cultural relics of members from The Monkees, where at the pinnacle of their careers they destroyed it to the best of their abilities. Discussing the legacy and impact of the 1968 film Head on The Monkees, highlighting conflicting emotions among band members decades later.
A Bout de Souffle
This article focuses on a specific, pivotal six-second shot from Jean-Luc Godard's film A Bout de Souffle, examining its intertextual significance. The shot occurs towards the end of the film, where the protagonist Michel Poiccard, played by Jean-Paul Belmondo, is seen scrutinizing a pile of books in a room with Patricia. The scene is filmed from Michel's point of view, with Mozart playing on a record player in the background. The camera zooms in on a book cover that provides crucial information: it's Maurice Sachs' novel Abracadabra, featuring a Lenin quote on a promotional band: "Nous sommes des morts en permission" (We are dead men on leave). The article delves into the implications of this shot within the film's narrative and its broader thematic and intertextual contexts.
Final Thoughts
Reflecting on these films, it’s evident that cinema continues to balance innovation with tradition, responding to and shaping cultural and societal norms. From the groundbreaking techniques of the New Wave to the modern influences seen in films like Tangerine, filmmakers challenge conventions and push boundaries, ensuring that cinema remains a dynamic and evolving art form.
Links to other students
Cris Nye Reservoir Dogs/ Tangerine Comparison
Carly Leavitt-Hullana Twin Peaks/ Chungking Express Comparison
Riley Goodale A Hard's Day Night Film Essay