The French New Wave: A Film Movement In The 1960's

The French New Wave was a film movement in the 1950’ and 60’s that consisted of an explosion of new film techniques, values, and styles that became a defining moment of cinematic innovation that’s impact is still present in the modern film industry. An influx of new, young directors sought to narratively, ideologically and stylistically veer off from the dominant, traditional mainstream cinema production standards and redefine the French film industry. The movement didn’t happen overnight and its origins and influences stem back to the occupation of France by Nazi-Germany during World War II, the subsequent Italian Neo-Realism movement, and a combination of previous film periods. During World War II, Paris was occupied by the Germans. This was a

They were eager to break new ground with their own films. However, it wasn’t easy to get in to. Many made contacts as they became seasoned critics and eventually started raising money to film their own short films. Rohmer directed Journal d’un Scélérat in 1950. Other short films classified as new wave including John-Luc Godard’s Operation Beton, Truffaut’s Une Histoire d’Eau, and several more. They experimented with various editing and visual styles and techniques similar to that of the Italian Neo-realists By the late 1950’s the new wave directors had gained enough acclaim to move up to feature films. Elements of the French New Wave have been absorbed by the modern film industry and many unique styles and techniques are still present today. However, the New Wave did more than just contribute some new film techniques. The French New Wave created a societally and intellectually engaged cinema experience. The status of films became prestigious in a sense that they could spark political and social engagement and debate. The opinion of cinema was forever changed as films were now looked as more than just entertainment, but