S P A I N
L A N G U A G E : S P A N I S H
G E N R E S : D A R K C O M E D I E S | T H R I L L E R S | F L A M E N C O | R O M A N C E
G E N R E S : D A R K C O M E D I E S | T H R I L L E R S | F L A M E N C O | R O M A N C E
I n t r o d u c c i ó n
Transitioning away from Nollywood, I’ve decided upon learning about the cinema of Spain for my next writing venture. While searching nearly every crevice of the online web for articles and essays pertaining to the industry, the ambiguous term “Spanish” gave me a bit of a struggle. You see, the films of Latin America are regarded as “Spanish” as well, so I had to be a bit more cautious with my research methods. While the two industries do share a common language (with differing and alternate dialects, of course), they are actually rather divergent in terms of style, flair, and overall sense of storytelling. Spain’s cinema industry doesn’t nearly receive the recognition it so deserves. While many of its films have been honored over the years, many Western filmmakers want their “new" ideas to be received well – even though a great deal of these ideas strictly derive from Spanish films. In other words, the plots of Spanish films are so unique that Hollywood has gone onto remaking them into films for the English speaking audience. It is unfortunate to say that casual movie enthusiasts and film scholars alike have a tendency to overlook – and particularly underestimate – the influence and intrigue of Spain's industry of filmmaking.
H i s t o r i aWhile it is evident that every movie industry is defined and shaped by the past events within its country, Spanish cinema is certainly one of the most prime examples of intense historical influence in filmmaking.
Tracing back to the 1930s, the Spanish Civil War (1936 – 1939) curtailed the production of quality entertainment films, yet also cultivated an entire spectrum genre of propaganda films that expressed the views and threatening jurisdictions from both opposing sides. Also, this time time span allowed for the experimentation and exploration of documentary filmmaking; many foreign countries utilized this style of film as an artistic and convincing method for presenting information (as opposed to radio news stories). The Post-War era brought in a refreshing new wave of vibrant, never-before-seen film genres. Especially during the 1950s and 1960s, Spain’s films were greatly influenced by the Italian movement of neorealism, as they brought about many current social issues (pertaining to things such as rough street life). Yet for the most part, the genres of Spanish films had an optimistic sensation about them (some even falling in the folklore and spiritual category). The exploration of newer, perhaps risqué topics began to surface, as film was not as censored as it had been before. Of course, loopholes were eventually found, and filmmakers got away with “raunchy” material such as brief nudity, dark humor, and subtle wisecracks. |
Icónica y ReconocidaD I R E C T O R S :
Pedro Almodóvar, Carlos Saura Luis García Berlanga, Fernando Trueba A C T O R S : Pepe Isbert, Fernando Fernán Gómez Agustín González, Paco Rabal, Antonio Banderas A C T R E S S E S : Sara Montiel, Ángela Molina, Penélope Cruz
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O t r o
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C o n c l u s i ó n
Films have proven to be an ideal way to immerse oneself in a new, unfamiliar culture; watching a diverse timeline of films allows a broader insight into how and why a society adapts and changes over time. With that said, it is evident that Spain’s cinema industry has evolved greatly throughout the decades, consistently shaping and expressing the characteristics, morals, and aspirations of the country into visionary, moving artwork. However, Spanish films aren’t nearly as recognized as they should be. From the bits and pieces of content I have been exposed to, I’m really looking forward to uncovering the hidden jewels abiding in Spain’s diverse film genres and perhaps sharing those interests with those around me. From the feisty flamenco dance musicals, to the intriguing plots that have significantly inspired American filmmakers, the visionary Spanish film industry is definitely one that stands out in terms of creativity and unconventional storytelling.
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R E S O U R C E S
"Spanish Cinema History Through 100 Films: A Self-Taught Introductory Class." Not Hemingway's Spain.
N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Apr. 16. <http://nothemingwaysspain.blogspot.com/2013/11/spanish-cinema-history-through-100.html>.
"History of Spanish Cinema - Spanish Films History | Don Quijote."DonQuijote.
N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Apr. 2016. <http://www.donquijote.org/culture/spain/film/history-of-spanish-cinema>.
"A Film Industry with an International Presence." Marca España.
N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Apr. 16. <http://marcaespana.es/en/talent-and-innovation/creative-industries/film-industry-international-presence>.
"Top 10 Biggest Film Countries in the World by Box Office." Talking Drum Entertainment.
N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Apr. 16. <http://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2015/05/20/guess-where-the-worlds-most-expensive-non-english-language-movies-are-being-made/#24e12f3e26e5>.
"Spanish Cinema History Through 100 Films: A Self-Taught Introductory Class." Not Hemingway's Spain.
N.p., n.d. Web. 5 Apr. 16. <http://nothemingwaysspain.blogspot.com/2013/11/spanish-cinema-history-through-100.html>.
"History of Spanish Cinema - Spanish Films History | Don Quijote."DonQuijote.
N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Apr. 2016. <http://www.donquijote.org/culture/spain/film/history-of-spanish-cinema>.
"A Film Industry with an International Presence." Marca España.
N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Apr. 16. <http://marcaespana.es/en/talent-and-innovation/creative-industries/film-industry-international-presence>.
"Top 10 Biggest Film Countries in the World by Box Office." Talking Drum Entertainment.
N.p., n.d. Web. 05 Apr. 16. <http://www.forbes.com/sites/robcain/2015/05/20/guess-where-the-worlds-most-expensive-non-english-language-movies-are-being-made/#24e12f3e26e5>.
With grand sights such as Big Ben and the London Underground, the United Kingdom doesn't fall short of being a picturesque location for a visit. Well, at least filmmakers think so.
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