It's been said, "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got." This SDG will explore 14 groundbreaking films and directors of the 1960s and 1970s- a transformative period in cinema marked by innovation, rebellion against traditional norms, and a new level of artistic expression. These films got something different, as they reflect the social, political, and cultural upheavals of their time, reshaping the language of cinema and influencing future generations of filmmakers.
Knowing is not the same as doing. The directors featured in this course did it differently: Hal Ashby, Arthur Penn, Stanley Kubrick, Mike Nichols, Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, John Schlesinger and Roman Polanski- artists who crafted narratives that pushed boundaries, explored complex themes, and introduced novel filmmaking techniques. Their works defined what is now referred to as the New Hollywood Era.
SDG participants will earnestly research and enjoy discussions on how these films reflected and influenced a rapidly changing society. We will analyze creative, new techniques, narrative innovations and cultural themes, gaining an understanding of why this era remains pivotal in film history. Beyond simple storylines and characters' relationships, we will examine the historical and cultural contexts of these films, the directors’ artistic newness and influence on modern cinema, and identify and consider key themes, including alienation, societal upheaval and moral ambiguity.
Films scheduled as of now, pending availability: Coming Home, Being There, Bonnie and Clyde, 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? The Graduate, Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, Midnight Cowboy, Rosemary’s Baby and Chinatown.
Join Linda Kelemer and me for friendly and in-depth discussions and analysis, culminating in an appreciation of the lasting impact of the 1960s and 1970s cinematic revolution.
Hal Ashby: Ashby’s films balance dark humor and human vulnerability, reflecting societal changes and personal struggles.
- Coming Home (1978): A poignant exploration of the Vietnam War’s aftermath, highlighting its emotional toll.
- Being There (1979): A satirical examination of media influence and political absurdity, showcasing Ashby’s talent for blending humor with commentary.
Arthur Penn: Known for his innovative approach to narrative and violence, Penn’s films revolutionized American cinema in the 1960s, ushering in the New Hollywood era.
- Bonnie and Clyde (1967): A landmark film that redefined American crime dramas with its raw violence and moral ambiguity. It shattered taboos about screen violence and was a precursor to more realistic storytelling in Hollywood.
Stanley Kubrick: Kubrick’s films are celebrated for their technical innovation and philosophical depth.
- 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968): A revolutionary sci-fi epic that expanded the visual and narrative scope of cinema.
- A Clockwork Orange (1971): A disturbing meditation on free will and societal control, provoking intense debate about morality and art.
Mike Nichols: Nichols brought an incisive understanding of human relationships to the screen.
- Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966): A raw, dialogue-driven film that blurred the line between stage and cinema.
- The Graduate (1967): A generational touchstone that explored themes of alienation and rebellion, becoming one of the most iconic films of its era.
Martin Scorsese: Scorsese’s gritty style and focus on morally complex characters left an indelible mark on filmmaking.
- Taxi Driver (1976): A haunting character study of urban decay and loneliness, hailed for its psychological depth.
- Raging Bull (1980): A visceral portrayal of a self-destructive boxer, blending raw emotion with striking visuals.
Francis Ford Coppola: Coppola created grand narratives exploring power, morality, and human frailty.
- The Godfather (1972): A sprawling crime saga that elevated the gangster genre into an art form.
- Apocalypse Now (1979): A harrowing exploration of the Vietnam War, blending psychological horror with political commentary.
John Schlesinger: Blending social realism with humanistic storytelling, Schlesinger’s works challenged conventions and brought a raw, poignant lens to the complexities of modern life.
- Midnight Cowboy (1969): The only X-rated film to win an Academy Award for Best Picture, it delves into themes of friendship, survival, and societal alienation.
Roman Polanski: Renowned for his mastery of psychological tension and atmospheric storytelling, Polanski’s explore themes of paranoia, morality, and human fragility.
- Rosemary’s Baby (1968): A masterful psychological horror film which explores themes of paranoia, manipulation, and societal control redefined horror as a genre capable of profound psychological and cultural critique.
- Chinatown (1974): A quintessential neo-noir, critiquing corruption and power in 1930s Los Angeles. Its intricate screenplay and Polanski’s direction exemplify 1970s cynicism in Hollywood narratives.
Weekly plot summaries, scene-by-scene synopses, film scripts and key movie clips to be provided and used to supplement each discussion leader’s open-ended, stimulating Study Guide discussion questions.