British New Wave

The British New Wave was a cinematic movement in the 1950s and 1960s that focused on social realism and the struggles of the working class, often referred to as "kitchen sink realism". Originating from a desire to break from cinematic traditions, it featured low-budget, black and white films shot on location, highlighting authentic social issues and everyday life, similar to the literary and theatrical movements of the time. Directors like Tony Richardson, Karel Reisz, and Lindsay Anderson were key figures.

Key characteristics

Social realism: Films centered on the everyday lives and struggles of working-class people, reflecting post-war social and economic changes.

"Kitchen sink realism": This term describes the movement's focus on mundane, often gritty domestic situations and the use of regional accents and slang.

"Angry young men": The movement was closely linked to the "angry young men" of British literature and theater, who were disillusioned with the established social order.

On-location filming: Many films were shot on location in industrial areas of the North of England and other parts of the country, rather than in studios.

Low budget: The movement produced lower-budget films, often shot in black and white, in contrast to the more glamorous "golden age" of cinema.

Notable Directors:

Tony Richardson, Karel Reisz, Lindsay Anderson, John Schlesinger.

DIRECTORS AND FILMS:

TONY RICHARDSON

- Look Back in Anger

- The Entertainer

- A Taste of Honey

- The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner

KAREL REISZ

- Saturday Night and Sunday Morning

- Morgan – A Suitable Case for Treatment

LINDSAY ANDERSON

- This Sporting Life

- If

JOHN SCHLESINGER

- A Kind of Loving

- Billy Liar

- Darling

JACK CLAYTON

- Room at the Top

- The Innocents

- The Pumpkin Eater

GUY GREEN

- The Angry Silence

KEN LOACH

- Poor Cow

- Kes

DESMOND DAVIS

- Girl with Green Eyes

- I Was Happy Here

RICHARD LESTER

- A Hard Day's Night

- The Knack ...and How to Get It

BRYAN FORBES

- The L-Shaped Room

- Séance on a Wet Afternoon

SIDNEY GILLIAT

- Only Two Can Play