'Autheur' which is the French word for 'author' is a theory which came about in the 1950's to suggest that a directors film reflects their own personal creative vision and that the directors voice shines through the actors, diaglogue etc. 'Autherism' had a huge impact on film criticism and is also assosicated with the French New Wave. Directors who have been labelled as 'auteurs' include Alfred Hitchcock, Howard Hawks and Jean Renoir.
Charlie Chaplin is a good example of an 'Auteur' director as much of his work reflected his own life and thoughts.
What is Cinema Verite?
Cinema Verite which is French for 'truthful cinema' is a style of film making which is more 'realistic' or 'naturalistic' that feature films. Cinema Verite films usually look more like a documentary than a film through the use of perhaps a hand held camera or minimal mise en scene and lighting. This allows the audience believe more in what they are seeing and hopefully become 'unaware' of the camera's presence.
This is an example of a Cinema Verite film from the movie 'Eat the Document'.
What is avant-garde film?
Avant-garde or 'experimental film' is a term used to describe films which break away from the typical, commercial mainstream films. These films are often abstract not just in storyline but in editing and camera work for example out of focus shots or scratching on the film. The music is often non-diagetic and on some occasions there will be no soundtrack used at all. These type of films began being made in the 1960's and usually have a very low budget and a small crew.
'Russian Ark' is a good example of an Avant Garde film as the whole movie was filmed in one long shot with no breaks or cuts.
What is film noir?
Film Noir which is French for 'black film' is a term used to describe 'stylish hollywood crime dramas'. This era began in the 1940's and ended in the late 1950's. These films often have a low key black and white visual style. Film noir movies have also been labelled as 'melodramas'. These films often have 'typical' characters such as a policeman, an aging boxer or a law abiding citizen. Typical film noir movies include 'The Big Sleep', 'Night and the City' and 'The Set-Up'.
This is an example of a Film Noir movie from the film 'Big Combo'.
What is French New Wave?
French New Wave was a term invented by critics to describe a group of French filmmakers in the late 1950's and 1960's. These French filmmakers rejected classical cinematic filmmaking and created European Art Cinema which encompassed experimental editing, visual style and narrative. These films often included social and political issues of the era which made the films popular to watch.
This is an example of a French New Wave film from the movie 'Breathless'.
What is 'Dogme'?
Dogme is an avant-garde film making movement which started in 1995 by a couple of Danish directors. The idea of the movement was to make films that dont depend on big hollywood budgets and can be noticed and appericated through television stations. This allowed film makers to have more flexibility when making a film and not be pressured by having to have a large budget. This movement made film makers re-think the essence and effect of film making.
'Italian For Beginners' is an example of a film made in 'Dogme' style.
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