What is meant by the cinematic term French New Wave?
A film movement that began in 1958 and lasted into the late 1960s, known for its change in conventional filmmaking techniques. Many of the directors involved in this movement began as film critics for Cahiers Du Cinema, a French magazine that promoted new ideas through experimentation and innovation. It was a rejection of mainstream cinema and old Hollywood, a youthful movement driven by young people who were passionate about film overall. Preference for directors to be the artistic driving force and be credited rather then the studio and stars.
What specific stylistic and structural elements are present in French New Wave films?
French New Wave films often utilized natural light, used actors with less experience, improvisation, voice overs (non-diegetic) and real locations. This was a result of the low-budget nature of the films in addition to creating a strong feel of realism. For technique, handheld cameras contributed to the distinctive, more naturalistic style of these films as well as giving a doctumentryesque aesthetic. Jump cuts, often used by Jean-Luc Godard, became a distinct reflection of the movement, leading other filmmakers to challenge conventional filmmaking methods, and breaking through into mainstream cinema while working with low budgets and being restrained by the limited amount of money available to them. Democratisation style of cinema, allowing anyone to be a film-maker and create films.
Which directors and films from the French New Wave influenced Arthur Penn as he was making Bonnie and Clyde?
Directors François Truffaut and Jean-Luc Godard had a large impact on Arthur Penn throughout the making of Bonnie and Clyde. Originally, writers Robert Benton and David Newman initially approached them to direct the film, however they declined. Two of Truffaut’s films, Shoot the Pianist (1960) and Jules et Jim (1962), were particularly influential on Penn throughout production. French New Wave films were known for breaking traditional cinematic rules, Bonnie and Clyde echoed this by portraying two lovers who committed crimes consisting of robbery, burglary, and murder, stepping away from the usual depiction and representation of law-abiding American citizens. The turbulent nature of their relationship also reflected the movement’s shift from conventional storytelling. Bonnie and Clyde was a character study, historically based but far from historically accurate. Music was prominent in the scenes of their escapes in the van, this music was fast-paced banjo music (bluegrass music). It brings a comedic element to these dramatic scenes.
Identify 3 scenes from Bonnie and Clyde where stylistic links are created with French new wave cinema, explaining why this was the case
Location filming is often used in Bonnie and Clyde, embracing the French new wave style of filmmaking as it relies less on studios to create film but rather real places to create the set of the film.
Natural lighting is common in Bonnie and Clyde, as the normal sunlight is most prominent, this gives the film a more naturalistic look. This links to the French new wave as the natural light enhances the classic low-budget nature of the French new wave.
Jump cuts were seen as a trademark of the French new wave era, they were well used in Bonnie and Clyde especially before their deaths at the end of the film. The camera jumps from close-up shots of Bonnie and then to Clyde of them looking at each other and then to the police ready to shoot them, as well as some scenery shots leading into their separate deaths. By using jump cuts, it creates a tense atmosphere and dramatize their deaths.