City 104 Class 6: Influence of Social Events on American Cinema in the 1960s and 1970s - Module 6

Introduction

• Focus on the late 1960s and early 1970s.
• Social and political events significantly influenced the film industry.

Key Social Influences

Vietnam War

• Draft system was in place, affecting young men from age 18.
• Various ways to avoid the draft included student deferments and other exemptions.
• Anti-war protests prevalent on college campuses.

Youth Culture

• Influence of rock and roll music (Woodstock, 1969).
• Divisive nature of music (e.g., Steppenwolf, Jimi Hendrix).
• Recreational drug usage (marijuana, LSD) became common, especially on campuses.
• Fashion changes as a form of rebellion (long hair for men, miniskirts for women).

Civil Rights Movement

• Continuation from the 1950s into the 1960s, focusing on voting rights for African Americans.
• Notable events like the March on Selma.
• Involvement of college students (Freedom Riders).

Women's Equality Movement

• Emergence in the 1970s with efforts towards the Equal Rights Amendment.
• Fight for equal pay and more professional opportunities for women.

Watergate Scandal

• Break-in at the Democratic National Committee offices in 1972.
• Resulted in President Nixon's resignation due to the cover-up.

Impact on Film Industry

New Hollywood Era

• Influences from Vietnam War, youth culture, civil rights, and women's rights reflected in films.
• Transition towards films addressing these issues.

Transition Films

• Blow-Up (1966): Directed by Michelangelo Antonioni.
• Bonnie and Clyde (1967): Produced by Warren Beatty, noted for its portrayal of violence.
• The Graduate (1967): Directed by Mike Nichols, anti-authority themes.

Changes in Film Ratings

• Introduction of the ratings system in 1968 to replace the Production Code.
• Introduction of PG-13 in 1984 due to films like Indiana Jones and Gremlins.
• NC-17 replaced X rating in 1990.

Influence of Roger Corman

• Gave opportunities to future stars like Francis Coppola, Martin Scorsese.
• Known for low-budget films and drive-in movies.

Key Films and Directors

Easy Rider (1969)

• Directed by Dennis Hopper, starred Peter Fonda and Jack Nicholson.
• Emphasized themes of freedom and youthful rebellion.
• Noted for its rock soundtrack.

Other Influential Figures

• Martin Scorsese: Part of the film school generation, notable for Taxi Driver, Raging Bull.
• William Friedkin's The Exorcist: A genre film with significant box office success.

Conclusion

• The period marked by a significant shift in American cinema.
• Films from the era remain influential, reflecting societal changes and new cinematic approaches.

Upcoming Topics

• Discussion of more 1970s classics including The Godfather, Clockwork Orange, and Chinatown.