French New Wave –

The ‘French New Wave’ was a French art film movement that came about in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. The movement stemmed away from the traditional film making, but instead used experimentation and creative freedom, involving some aspects of a spirit of iconoclasm. Films focused on personal, experimental and unconventional storytelling.

What specific stylistic and structural elements are present in French New Wave Films?

The stylistic elements of the ‘French New Wave’ consisted of a mix of realism, subjectivity and authorial commentary: these created a sense ambiguity within the films that made the viewers question things that are not answered within the film.

The structural elements consisted of fragmented, discontinuous editing were no smooth flows between shots were edited together. This creates a disruption between shots therefore forming a ‘Jump cut’. Other structural elements consisted of long takes and Freeze frames, these were used to break the immersion of the film to ensure a viewer isn’t just watching a film to turn off, but to view it for artistic purpose.

Which directors and films from the French New Wave influenced Arthur Penn as he was making Bonnie and Clyde? Why do you think this is the case?

Breathless, made in 1960 was directed Jean-Luc Godard. This film was apart of the French New Wave as its plot was about a petty thief falling in love with a journalist.

The 400 Blows, made in 1959, was directed by François Truffaut. This was about a Parisian boy surrounded by inconsiderate adults and neglectful parents. Forming a plan to runaway with his friend, this gets him into more trouble with unsympathetic authority figures. This would go onto inspire other film directors, with the most recent being Shane Meadows, where his ending to ‘this is England’ is reminiscent to the ending of the 400 blows.