Transformation and Tradition in 1960s British Cinema

This book explores the 1960s British cinema resurgence, using new archive resources for a fresh perspective.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 28 February 2021
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

British cinema experienced a significant resurgence of creativity and international appeal in the 1960s, drawing on new and underexplored archive resources that provide a wealth of information and insight on the period. This book offers a fresh perspective on this era, highlighting the key factors that contributed to the period's success and the impact it had on the industry and society.

One of the key factors that contributed to the 1960s resurgence of British cinema was the emergence of a new generation of filmmakers. These filmmakers were often young and innovative, and they brought a fresh approach to storytelling and visual style to the screen. They were also influenced by a range of cultural and social movements, including the counterculture, feminism, and the civil rights movement, which helped to shape their work.

Another factor that contributed to the 1960s resurgence of British cinema was the rise of the British film industry. The industry had been in decline for several years, but in the 1960s, it experienced a significant revival. This was due to a number of factors, including government funding, the introduction of new technologies, and the success of British films at international film festivals.

The 1960s was a period of great social and political change, and this was reflected in the films of the period. Many films dealt with issues such as racism, poverty, and social inequality, and they helped to raise awareness of these issues and promote social change. For example, the film "A Taste of Honey" (1961) was a groundbreaking film that explored the experiences of a young black woman living in a working-class neighborhood in London.

The 1960s also saw the emergence of a new genre of British cinema, known as the "New Wave." This genre was characterized by its experimental and avant-garde style, and it included films such as "The Third Man" (1949), "A Clockwork Orange" (1971), and "Blow Up" (1966). These films were often critical of the mainstream cinema and were praised for their innovative storytelling and visual style.

Despite the success of British cinema in the 1960s, the industry faced a number of challenges in the following decades. One of the biggest challenges was the rise of Hollywood, which began to dominate the global film industry. Hollywood films were often more commercial and less experimental than British films, and they often had a greater impact on the public's perception of cinema.

In response to this challenge, British filmmakers began to experiment with new genres and styles. For example, the film "The Beatles" (1964) was a groundbreaking film that combined music and film, and it helped to establish the Beatles as a cultural icon. The film "Monty Python and the Holy Grail" (1975) was a comedy film that was praised for its innovative storytelling and visual style, and it helped to establish the Monty Python comedy troupe as a cultural icon.

In addition to the resurgence of British cinema in the 1960s, the period also saw the emergence of a number of important filmmakers. These filmmakers included Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, and David Lean. Hitchcock was known for his suspenseful and psychological thrillers, while Kubrick was known for his innovative and experimental films. Lean was known for his epic films, such as "Lawrence of Arabia" (1962) and "Ben-Hur" (1959).

Despite the success of British cinema in the 1960s, the industry faced a number of challenges in the following decades. One of the biggest challenges was the rise of piracy, which made it difficult for filmmakers to make a profit. Piracy was particularly prevalent in the United States, where many films were pirated and sold on the black market.

In response to this challenge, the British government began to implement measures to protect the film industry. These measures included the introduction of copyright laws, the establishment of film festivals, and the funding of film production.

In conclusion, British cinema experienced a significant resurgence of creativity and international appeal in the 1960s, drawing on new and underexplored archive resources that provide a wealth of information and insight on the period. This book offers a fresh perspective on this era, highlighting the key factors that contributed to the period's success and the impact it had on the industry and society. While the industry faced a number of challenges in the following decades, it has continued to thrive and produce some of the most iconic films of all time.

Weight: 624g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474423120