The formulaic films that once thrilled audiences in the early part of the 20th century now seemed stale after the stark reality of World War II. Foreign films and American independent cinema answered the call for authenticity, leading to an insurgence of culturally relevant films in the later part of the century. Explore the ways modern cinema was shaped by the independent movement with an explanatory video.

Concepts

film, film analysis, film making

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Additional Tags

visual and performing arts

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Instructional Ideas

• Have class members watch the video before coming to class for a screening of any of the mentioned independent or foreign films
• Include the video on the first day of a film studies class that focuses on mid-20th century international film
• Prompt learners to conduct additional research on the relationship between filmmaking and commerce

Classroom Considerations

• Narration moves quickly; consider pausing periodically to check for understanding
• Part of a playlist on film history from Crash Course

• This video is hosted on YouTube

Pros

• Discusses an array of prominent foreign film movements, including Italian Neo-Realism and the French New Wave
• Narrator refers to WheezyWaiter several times, which is his YouTube channel name

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.9-10.2 SL.11-12.2