French Film, The New Wave, & Jeunet's Amelie

Please turn in your homework (questions on Camus & Existentialism and/or the ghazal)

This morning we will read an article on the French New Wave and screen a few clips.

Characteristics of the French New Wave: 

• Editing: use of the jump cut, in which two discontinuous images are juxtaposed. 
• Low budget: films were shot quickly, sometimes with hand-held cameras, giving the film a more naturalistic feel; often only one camera is used; improvised sets or locations; films were shot in natural locations (as opposed to studios); sound was recorded live. Lighting was often natural.
• Narrative: stories were often open-ended, unresolved, or loosely structured. Characters were often odd or eccentric. Actors talked over one another in order to create a realistic feel for dialogue.

The French have greatly influenced the invention and continuation of film and the film industry. From the Lumiere Brothers, George Melies, and the Pathe Frere company, French culture impacted the progression of the film industry. Compared to Hollywood films, French films are known for their slower pace, their character development, and, of course, the occasional bout of surrealism.

Some critics account that Modern Film theory was born in France. The film makers Jean-Luc Godard, Francois Truffaut, and Andre Bazin, Robert Bresson made films that would be termed the French New Wave. The French New Wave influenced American cinema through the 1960's and beyond.

• Godard: Breathless (1960)
• Truffaut: The 400 Blows trailer (1959), 400 Blows - Scene.
• Robert Bresson's Lancelot du Lac (1974) - the poster for this film is hanging in the Little Theatre. It is parodied in Monty Python & the Holy Grail.
• Eric Rohmer: L'Amour l'apres-midi
• Jacques Rivette - Out 1 (film introduction); Interview with Jacques Rivette

In the 1990's the films of Jean-Pierre Jeunet thrilled audiences with their surreal and magical-realistic styles. Still, some characteristics of the New Wave are clearly seen in regard to story narrative, location, and editing. Interspersed with these elements are...wait for it...magical realistic elements (surrealism, etc.)

Delicatessen (1991)
The City of Lost Children
Amelie & A Very Long Engagement both starring Audrey Tautou

A disturbing (really, really disturbing suspense film) 13 Tzameti by Gela Babluani.
And, of course, The Red Balloon by Albert LaMourisse.

For those interested: Here's a clip of a very freaky animated sci-fi film by French animator and film maker: Rene Laloux (a personal favorite).
Fantastic Planet (1973) You can watch the entire film from the sidebar on Youtube.com if enthralled.

A Note About The Cannes Film Festival

Every year Cannes holds a film festival--considered to be the best and well regarded throughout the world. The festival began in 1946, the first great international cultural event of the post-war period. The Festival started as a non-profit organization, and became "state-approved" in 1972.

It has taken place every year--with the exception of 1948 and 1950--first in September, then in May as of 1952. It began with a few dozen projections but today draws more than 10,000 buyers and sellers from around the world. The festival enables numerous countries to support their producers and film industry. To have your film nominated at Cannes is a great honor.

HOMEWORK: Extra credit: watch a French film and report about it on the forum. This is on-going credit for the 5th marking period. See the forum for specific questions concerning the film. You will need to include some information and research about the film director (just to inform you.)