French cinema Flashcards
What were the ideological characteristics of the New Wave movement?
Anti-establishment and anti-system.
Aimed to shock audiences out of their “comfortable numbness.”
Emphasized the critique of passive consumerism and encouraged active spectator engagement.
What is a commodity, and how does it relate to the New Wave’s ideology?
A commodity is a reproducible object with socially mediated value.
In the context of the New Wave, appropriation and resignification refer to the process of taking symbols of resistance and turning them into commodities, reflecting a shift from revolution to commodity capitalism.
How did the New Wave challenge traditional spectatorship?
The New Wave critiqued passive spectatorial consumerism and emphasized active engagement.
Filmmakers asserted themselves as auteurs, creating unique worlds that subverted audience expectations and the language of commodified experience.
What are the chief characteristics of Cinéma du Look?
High production values and slick, glossy imagery.
Use of refracted images, fast-paced action, and smooth camera movements.
Emphasis on spectacle and immersion, with a focus on providing an escape for the audience.
Criticized for promoting passive consumption and prioritizing visual spectacle over narrative depth.
