Indie cinema, a pioneering force in the art form, is often the starting point, pride, and passion of many filmmakers, actors, and writers. The 1970s, a golden era, marked the birth of numerous Hollywood icons, showcasing the innovative and daring spirit of indie cinema. There’s plenty for us to analyze in this world, so let’s discuss everything worth noting, ranging from Cassavettes to Robert Altman to darker cinema. Let’s discuss!
John Cassavettes – Indie Cinema Pioneer
John Cassavetes, a genius in the world of indie cinema, is known for his unique filming style, characterized by frequent close-ups. While it may take some time to get used to, I find his approach fascinating. His intense focus on actor performances and the gritty naturalism he captures is truly appreciable.
He pioneered the indie art film movement in the U.S., with works like Shadows and Faces (aptly titled) laying the foundation for this genre. Over several films, he developed a unique style that has inspired countless filmmakers from the 1970s to the present day, as seen in movies like Moonlight (2016) and Good Time (2017).
Cassavetes also balanced a dual career as an actor in major Hollywood productions and an indie filmmaker, a path many filmmakers continue to follow today. If you’re a first-timer, check out Love Streams, which is more palatable than his other work.
Robert Altman
Despite not being as widely discussed as some mainstream directors, Robert Altman’s influence on the indie world is undeniable. His unique style and profound character development have left a lasting impact on the industry, earning him the respect of many filmmakers, writers, actors, and fans.
The most fascinating aspect of Altman’s style is his ability to develop characters so profoundly that the plot often takes a backseat, almost fading into the background. Take Gosford Park (2001), for example–with around 30 characters, viewers initially find it challenging to keep track of who they are and their role in the story.
I’m particularly drawn to The Long Goodbye (1973) because it cleverly subverts film noir conventions. It takes a hard-boiled character like Marlowe and places him in the nihilistic world of 70s Los Angeles, creating a fresh and unexpected twist on the genre.
Wanda, Badlands, and Deliverance – Darker Storytelling
Many cinephiles mention how 1970s cinema, mainstream or indie, inclined to stick to the darker side. This is mainly because, in the decade leading up to the 1970s, America experienced a series of traumatic events, including the Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. assassinations, the Vietnam War, Nixon’s presidency, and the oil embargo.
These dark times ushered in a wave of gritty, realistic films that reflected the harsh realities and disillusionment of the era. Art usually reflects society, and if you’re a fan of darker films, 70s filmmaking is for you.
Some classics, in my opinion, include Wanda, Badlands, and Deliverance, all of which have gritty and disheartening stories that will help you begin your 1970s indie cinema journey.
Eraserhead and The Birth Of David Lynch
Not many filmmakers are as polarizing as David Lynch, but you can’t deny his influence, especially with his debut, Eraserhead (1993). Is it a literal mad world without much explanation? Or is it a dark dream about a man scared of fatherhood? Who knows.
David Lynch fans would argue that the filmmaker is incredibly intuitive. He dives into ideas rarely explored elsewhere, distilling the world’s happenings into resonant themes that power his stories. His influence is so profound that many of the aesthetics he pioneered are now taken for granted, making it easy to overlook his impact if you don’t connect them back to him.
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