Film Theory: The Basics

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FRENCH THEORY, 1949–68

For many, 1945 marked a decisive historical turning point. It was the end of World War II and, people hoped at least, the end of a tumultuous fifty-year period marred by violence, political strife, and economic instability. In this respect, the second half of the twentieth century promised the possibility of social and cultural renewal. Those like André Bazin seized this opportunity to revive France’s post-war film culture and lay the groundwork for a new style of filmmaking. There were other signs like the increasing number of students attending university and growing economic affluence—in the United States especially—that suggested substantive progress was afoot. Some, however, took a very different view. From their ...