Film making

But let's travel a little bit back to a time known to the world as The French New Wave (La Nouvelle Vague) It goes without saying that it makes reference to an art film movement that emerged in the late 50s, in Paris. 

The central element was its rejection of traditional filmmaking conventions in favor of experimentation. the outcome? It's impact can still be seen to this day. The movement aimed to give directors full creative control over their work, allowing them to eschew overwrought narrative in favor of improvisational, existential storytelling. 

The French New Wave began with a group of film critics and cinephiles who wrote for Cahiers du cinéma, a famous French film magazine owned by André Bazin. These critics - including Jean-Luc Godard, François Truffaut, and Éric Rohmer - pushed against big film studios controlling the creative process, and wanted full control of their films.

For decades, mainstream filmmaking, especially from Hollywood, set the standards and "rules" on how to make a film. The French filmmakers understood those rules...and then they broke the rules! The smaller, lightweight cameras were often "freed" from the tripod and handheld, giving a new life and energy to their films. 

The influence of the Nouvelle Vague on filmmaking and filmmakers cannot be minimized. Entire generations of filmmakers have been influenced by these films, including Quentin Tarantino and Martin Scorsese. (Tarantino even named his production company after Godard's seminal film Bande a parte /Band of Outsiders). So, let’s find out which are the most representative films of the French New Wave:

1) Hiroshima mon amour (1959), directed by Alain Resnais

2) Breathless (1960), directed by Jean-Luc Godard

3) Les Bonnes Femmes (1960), directed by Claude Chabrol

4) Shoot the Piano Player (1960), directed by François Truffaut

5) Lola (1960), directed by Jacques Demy

6) Adieu Phillipphine (1962), directed by Jacques Rozier

7) Clėo from 5 to 9 (1962), directed by Agnės Varda

8) Le Mėpris (1963), directed by Jean-Luc Godard

9) Claire’s Knee (1970), directed by Éric Rohmer

10) Cėline et Julie Go Boating (1974), directed by Jacques Rivette.

French is also about literature

When it comes to the French literary movements, they have cast a radiant glow, profoundly shaping not only the fabric of French culture but also the vast realms of global intellectual and artistic landscapes. From the Classical era to the dawn of Modernism, French literature has stood as a beacon for innovation, daringly challenging traditional norms and birthing revolutionary philosophical, social, and political theories that echo throughout the world.

The resonance of French literary movements, such as the Enlightenment, Romanticism, and Existentialism, can not be underestimated. The Enlightenment, illuminated by thinkers like Voltaire and Rousseau, introduced the transformative ideals of liberty, equality, and individual rights, laying the foundational stones for modern democracy and human rights. The Romantic movement, adorned with the brilliance of figures like Victor Hugo and Baudelaire, redefined our understanding of emotion, individuality, and the sublime, leaving an indelible mark not only on literature but also on art, music, and philosophy. French Existentialism, boldly championed by Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, probed the depths of existence, freedom, and responsibility, resonating with intellectuals, writers, and activists worldwide as they navigated the complexities of modernity and the human experience.

An expression of diplomacy and philosophy

Furthermore, the influence of French writers extends far beyond the written word into the evolution of language and vocabulary. Historically revered as the language of diplomacy, French emerged as a vital medium for international communication and cultural exchange. Terms like "rendez-vous," "avant-garde," and "cliché" have woven themselves into global lexicons, illustrating the far-reaching impact of French in shaping discourse across diverse cultures. The association of French with sophistication, intellectualism, and artistic refinement persists as a powerful cultural stereotype, reflecting the enduring legacy of French thought and culture in molding global perceptions.

The personalities and philosophies of French writers, with their profound engagement in life, art, and thought, have left an indelible imprint on global consciousness. Visionaries like Albert Camus, who delved into the absurd and the human quest for meaning, and Marcel Proust, who contemplatively explored time and memory, continue to inspire generations with their reflections on existence and human consciousness. Their works transcend borders, offering universal insights into the human condition and igniting the imaginations of thinkers around the globe.

The influence of French literary movements and their luminaries on universal culture, thought, and language is monumental. Through their philosophical explorations, artistic innovations, and cultural diplomacy, French intellectuals have enriched the tapestry of global dialogue, contributing significantly to the evolution of literature, language, and societal concepts, leaving an enduring legacy in the annals of human thought. 

French is here to stay

In conclusion, in an increasingly interconnected world, learning French is more than just mastering a language, it is a gateway to cultural, intellectual, and professional opportunities. Whether for personal enrichment, career advancement, or global engagement, the importance of learning French remains clear, as it connects individuals to a rich cultural legacy and a broader international community.