The Contexts of Film

Historical Context

The New Hollywood period, between 1961-1990, was a transformative phase in American film history.
This era was characterised by the decline of traditional studios and the rise of younger, visionary directors who had greater artistic freedom.
Changes in society and culture also influenced the films of this period, leading to more experimental and thematically complex narratives.

New Hollywood films often mirrored or reacted to prevailing political and social issues in the US, such as the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights movement, the Watergate scandal, and the sexual revolution.
Films explored the growing disillusionment with authority figures and the establishment, offering critical viewpoints on government, corporate power, and the military.
Changing family dynamics, shifting gender roles and the rising counterculture also found their way into the storylines and character arcs.

Technological advancements in this period, including more portable equipment and improved film stocks, paved the way for more versatile shooting methods, such as on-location filming and handheld camera work.
The advent of color and widescreen formats also allowed filmmakers to be more experimental with visual aesthetics and composition, enhancing viewer engagement and emotional impact.

The Hollywood studio system was replaced by independent or auteur filmmaking, redistributing creative control from studio executives to directors and writers.
This resulted in films that were more personal and reflective of the auteur’s artistic vision. However, it also meant taking on more financial risk.
The emergence of film schools during this period further encouraged and legitimized these new creative voices. New Hollywood filmmakers often used elements of European arthouse and avant-garde cinema, challenging conventional Hollywood techniques and storytelling.

The New Hollywood era saw a shift in audience taste and expectations. Film viewership split between mainstream blockbusters and more complex, nuanced films that often attracted a cult following.
The 1960s and 1970s counterculture, particularly among the younger generation, sought out films that resonated with their changing worldview, leading to greater diversity and creativity in the cinematic landscape.
The examination of challenging and controversial topics in films also precipitated changes in film certification, with the introduction of more nuanced age restriction ratings, adding another layer of complexity to filmmaking and distribution.