Brazilian cinema novo

Definition

Brazilian Cinema Novo is a movement in Brazilian cinema that emerged in the late 1950s and lasted into the 1970s, characterized by its innovative narratives and social critique. It aimed to portray the realities of Brazilian society, focusing on issues like poverty, inequality, and political oppression, while also embracing a more artistic and avant-garde style of filmmaking.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Cinema Novo was influenced by Italian Neorealism, which emphasized authenticity and realism in storytelling.
2. Key figures in Cinema Novo include directors like Glauber Rocha and Nelson Pereira dos Santos, who played significant roles in shaping the movement's identity.
3. The movement was born out of a reaction against mainstream cinema's escapism and a desire to depict Brazil's social issues more authentically.
4. Films from this period often employed a mix of documentary-style techniques and fictional narratives to engage viewers with pressing social themes.
5. Despite facing censorship from military dictatorships, Brazilian Cinema Novo left a lasting impact on global cinema, influencing filmmakers worldwide.

Review Questions

• What techniques did filmmakers use in Brazilian Cinema Novo to convey their social critiques?
  • Filmmakers in Brazilian Cinema Novo employed various techniques to express social critiques, including blending documentary-style footage with fictional narratives. This approach helped highlight the stark realities of Brazilian society, such as poverty and political oppression. They also used innovative editing and non-linear storytelling to create a sense of urgency and engagement with the viewer's experience.
• Discuss how Brazilian Cinema Novo challenged traditional narrative forms and what impact this had on audiences.
  • Brazilian Cinema Novo challenged traditional narrative forms by using non-linear storytelling, fragmented structures, and unconventional character development. This experimentation allowed filmmakers to break away from Hollywood norms and present more authentic representations of Brazilian life. Audiences were often confronted with harsh realities and social injustices that sparked discussions about national identity and cultural awareness, leading to greater engagement with socio-political issues.
• Evaluate the legacy of Brazilian Cinema Novo in the context of modern filmmaking and its influence on contemporary filmmakers around the world.
  • The legacy of Brazilian Cinema Novo is evident in its lasting influence on modern filmmaking, as it paved the way for greater artistic freedom and experimentation within cinema. Contemporary filmmakers draw inspiration from its commitment to social justice themes and innovative storytelling techniques. The movement's emphasis on portraying marginalized voices has also encouraged filmmakers worldwide to explore similar narratives, reflecting societal issues through diverse lenses and pushing the boundaries of cinematic expression.

Related terms

Tropicalismo: A cultural movement in Brazil during the late 1960s that combined music, visual arts, and literature with social critique and popular culture, often seen as a response to Brazilian Cinema Novo.

Cinema Marginal: A cinematic movement that followed Cinema Novo in the late 1960s, characterized by its focus on marginalized voices and experimental approaches to storytelling.

Neorealism: An Italian film movement that influenced Brazilian Cinema Novo, emphasizing stories about everyday life, often focusing on the struggles of the poor and working class.