New Realism: Contemporary British Cinema (Traditions in World Cinema)

The tradition of British realism has changed dramatically over the last 20 years, where films by directors such as Duane Hopkins, Joanna Hogg, Andrea Arnold, Shane Meadows and Clio Barnard have suggested a markedly poetic turn. This new realism rejects the instrumentalism and didacticism of filmmakers like Ken Loach in favour of lyrical and often ambiguous encounters with place, where the physical processes of lived experience interacts with the rhythms of everyday life. Taking these 5 filmmakers as case studies, this book seeks to explore in depth this new tradition of British cinema – and in the process, it reignites debates over realism that have concerned scholars for decades. NEW REALISM 5 Copyright 6 Contents 7 Figures 8 Acknowledgements 9 TRADITIONS IN WORLD CINEMA 10 Introduction 13 1. Duane Hopkins 35 2. Joanna Hogg 59 3. Andrea Arnold 94 4. Shane Meadows 135 5. Clio Barnard 178 Conclusion: New Realism is Dead, Long Live New Realism? 206 References 210 Index 220 Taking 5 filmmakers (Duane Hopkins, Joanna Hogg, Andrea Arnold, Shane Meadows and Clio Barnard) as case studies, this book seeks to explore in depth this new tradition of British cinema – and in the process, it reignites debates over realism that have concerned scholars for decades.