New Hollywood

Definition

New Hollywood refers to a significant movement in American cinema that emerged in the late 1960s and continued into the 1980s, characterized by a new generation of filmmakers who sought to challenge traditional filmmaking conventions and tell more complex, realistic stories. This era saw directors gaining greater creative control, often leading to films that explored controversial themes and pushed the boundaries of cinematic narrative and style. It revolutionized genres like the Western and involved influential directors like Stanley Kubrick who played pivotal roles in shaping this new approach.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. New Hollywood emerged as a reaction against the studio system that dominated filmmaking in the early 20th century, allowing for more personal and experimental storytelling.
2. This era is marked by films like 'Easy Rider' and 'Bonnie and Clyde,' which tackled issues like youth rebellion, violence, and societal change.
3. Directors such as Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Steven Spielberg became known for their innovative approaches during this time, each contributing to redefining genre conventions.
4. The Western genre experienced a transformation during New Hollywood, moving from traditional heroic narratives to more morally ambiguous characters and complex stories.
5. Stanley Kubrick's influence during this period was significant, with films like '2001: A Space Odyssey' pushing technical boundaries and exploring philosophical themes.

Review Questions

• How did New Hollywood filmmakers challenge traditional storytelling techniques in cinema?
  • New Hollywood filmmakers challenged traditional storytelling by focusing on character-driven narratives that often included morally ambiguous situations and complex themes. They rejected formulaic plots in favor of stories that reflected contemporary societal issues, such as war, race relations, and personal identity. This shift allowed for a deeper exploration of characters' psychological complexities, resulting in films that resonated more with audiences looking for authenticity in storytelling.
• Discuss the impact of counterculture on the New Hollywood movement and its representation in films.
  • The counterculture movement played a critical role in shaping the New Hollywood era by promoting values of individualism, rebellion against authority, and social change. Filmmakers responded to this cultural shift by incorporating themes of disillusionment and questioning societal norms into their narratives. Films from this period often depicted youth culture, anti-establishment sentiments, and the realities of violence and chaos, mirroring the tumultuous spirit of the 1960s and 70s.
• Evaluate the legacy of New Hollywood on contemporary filmmaking practices and how it has influenced modern directors.
  • The legacy of New Hollywood continues to resonate in contemporary filmmaking practices by emphasizing creative freedom and the significance of the director's vision. Modern filmmakers often draw inspiration from New Hollywood's willingness to tackle taboo subjects and experiment with narrative structures. Directors like Quentin Tarantino and Christopher Nolan have adopted similar approaches to storytelling, blending genres and subverting audience expectations while maintaining strong character development—a hallmark established during the New Hollywood era.

Related terms

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

Counterculture: A social movement that emerged in the 1960s, characterized by a rejection of mainstream values, which heavily influenced the themes and styles of New Hollywood films.

Blockbuster: A term used to describe a film that is produced with a large budget and marketed extensively, often becoming a major commercial success.