The Legacy of the New Wave in French Cinema

About the Author

Douglas Morrey is Reader in French Studies at the University of Warwick, UK, where he researches and teaches French cinema and contemporary French literature. He is the author of Jean-Luc Godard (2005) and Michel Houellebecq: Humanity and its Aftermath (2013), and the co-author of Jacques Rivette (2009).

Product Description

In this study of the impact and influence of the New Wave in French cinema, Douglas Morrey looks at both the subsequent careers of New Wave filmmakers and the work of later film directors and film movements in France. This book is organized around a series of key moments from the past 50 years of French cinema in order to show how the meaning and legacy of the New Wave have shifted over time and how the priorities, approaches and discourses of filmmakers and film critics have changed over the years. Morrey tackles key concepts such as the auteur, the relationship of form and content, gender and sexuality, intertextuality and rhythm. Filmmakers discussed include Godard, Truffaut, Varda, Chabrol and Rohmer plus Philippe Garrel, Luc Besson, Leos Carax, Bruno Dumont, the Dardenne brothers, Christophe Honoré, François Ozon and Jacques Audiard.

Review

“Including extensive notes and bibliography, this erudite study is rich in information and analysis and a must read for any student or scholar of French cinema. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through faculty.” - CHOICE

“With an authoritative discussion of major trends, prominent directors, and significant films, Douglas Morrey confirms the ongoing presence of the French New Wave for successive generations of filmmakers. The Legacy of the French New Wave in French Cinema is essential reading for anyone interested in contemporary French cinema.” ―Leonard Koos, Associate Professor of French, University of Mary Washington, USA