The Use of Film to Influence and Promote Generational Change in the Post- War Era

Abstract

The event of World War two had effects on many facets of society globally. One major effected area was that of film. Before the war European film was at a high level of importance. Renovations and progress in film were all being produced by European film makers. Post- war European film; however, was almost non-existent. This shifted the future of film over to the United States, and thus shifter film focus to a film noir type focus. Post-war cinema began many major film movements such as Italian Neorealism and Japanese Art Cinema. American film; however, had a dark focus. Films were morally ambiguous and critical of pre-existing social norms. It also brought attention to many famous directors such as Orson Welles and Alfred Hitchcock.

Post- war cinema’s focus was that of change. It aimed to call attention to the areas of society that needed work and used its influence of dark imagery to do that. This research paper aims to prove the director’s use of post- war film to change society in a way that would prevent any future conflict. It will closely analyze such societal issues as the change in identity in the pre-and post- war generation, the threat of communism, corruption of power, and deep interpersonal desires that remained unaddressed. This will be proved by analyzing different films released throughout the post- war period. Films like Rebel Without a Cause, Man on Tightrope, On the Waterfront, Citizen Kane, and Vertigo.