Nouvelles Femmes Modern Women Of The French New Wave And Their Enduring Contribution To Cinema

Description

Celebrate the iconic female actors and filmmakers of the French New Wave with a compelling new examination of their role as a vital part of cinema history, as well as their influence on attitudes and style in society at large.

Legends of style, mystique, and individuality, actresses such as Anna Karina, Jeanne Moreau, Jean Seberg, Brigitte Bardot, and filmmaker Agnès Varda, stand out as emblems of the French New Wave who continue to fascinate audiences worldwide. Part of a larger group of "modern women" who revolutionized cinema, they broke out of the rigid representations that confined women to stereotypes and led the way toward more complex female roles. Their individual voices and undeniable presence brought authenticity to their characters that resonated both on screen and off.

Nouvelles Femmes offers a fresh take on these compelling women, illuminated by quotes from the films, directors, and, most importantly, the women themselves. Film stills complementing the narrative showcase innovations in style and illustrate behind-the-scenes moments between actresses and directors. With accomplishments ranging from writing and directing to activism, women of the French New Wave paved the way for today's most modern women in film and in society. Admired by cinephiles all over the world, their legacy lives on as they continue to stand as icons of one of the most innovative times in cinema.

This beautifully crafted film history book captures their powerful influence and makes an essential gift for movie lovers and devotees of French film history.

Reviews

"The enthusiasm that runs throughout Nouvelles Femmes transcends any agenda, restoring to these great films some of the freshness and excitement they created on first release." --The Wall Street Journal

 

"Engaging, well-researched cultural history.... Film historian Knudson looks at French cinema, with a focus on female actors, writers, and directors who shaped, and were shaped by, the artistic revolution known as the New Wave.... In the 1950s, influenced by Hollywood movies that featured feisty, strong-willed women, New Wave directors created movies that reflected the tensions and realities of women's lives. Some New Wave films introduced young free spirits rejecting social strictures; others, multifaceted, mature women facing the complexities of their lives.... Drawing liberally on interviews, Knudson allows her large cast of characters to speak candidly and perceptively about their lives and work." --Kirkus Reviews

Author description

Ericka Knudson is a noted author and scholar on the French New Wave, with a focus on the role of women and literature in the movement. She has published numerous articles in French and English on French cinema. She holds a PhD in Film Studies.