Film Music Histories and Ethnographies NewPerspectives on Italian Cinema of the Long 1960s (1)

Historical Context of Italian Cinema in the 1960s

  • The 1960s are recognized as a significant period in Italian film history, termed the "Golden Age of Italian cinema" by Peter Bondanella (1958-1968).

    • Characteristics:

      • High artistic quality

      • Increased international prestige

      • Economic strength with a surge in Italian production coinciding with a decline in U.S. film production.

  • Gian Piero Brunetta noted that this era was marked by a remarkable quantity and quality of films, characterized by experimentation, innovation, and a global expansion of Italian cinematography.

Key Historical Events

  • Ruptures Bookending the Decade:

    • Economic Boom (Economic Miracle): 1958-1963, characterized by significant economic growth and development in Italy.

      • Some argue it began earlier in 1951-52, challenging the notion of a singular transformation from a peasant society to a modern society of mass consumption.

    • Protest Movement of 1968: Identified as a profound movement in Europe, associated with the wider social changes of the time, including protests from workers and students.

      • Resulted in the years of lead marked by terrorism and protests leading up to significant events such as the assassination of political figures.

Development of Italian Media

  • Public Television (RAI):

    • RAI started in 1954, establishing the first broadcasting channel, followed by a second channel in 1961, retaining this structure until the 1970s.

  • Cultural Impact:

    • First signals of sophisticated media with contributions from various sectors such as music and literature.

    • Growth of the record industry affected by the Marshall Plan, establishing domestic production companies and emphasizing popular music production and film.

Cinematic Flourishing in the 1960s

  • Cinecittà: Rome gained recognition as "Hollywood on the Tiber" for its role in film production.

  • Auteurs and Successful Films:

    • Landmark films included "La Dolce Vita" and "Rocco and His Brothers," symbolizing the merging of art and commercial success.

    • Concept of "superspettacolo d’autore" pioneered by Vittorio Spinazzola, suggesting the mainstreaming of auteur cinema during this decade.

Impact on Film Music

  • Filmmaking in Italy saw composers merging roles as co-authors with directors leading to significant collaboration in soundtracks.

  • Major composers like Nino Rota and Ennio Morricone arose during this time, influencing the aesthetics and production practices in film music.

  • The era's film music was characterized by blending popular and orchestral styles, showcasing a diverse soundscape in film.

The Complexity of Sound in Film

  • Italian film music displays diverse genres ranging from orchestral to popular music, jazz, and electronic sounds.

  • Sound post-production underwent significant changes, emphasizing the collaborative dynamics between composers and sound technicians.

  • Italian film music developed a distinct identity that contributed to the growing market of film soundtracks, including the establishment of independent recording studios.

Article Contributions Overview

  • The special issue discusses diverse aspects of Italian film music with contributions focusing on:

    • Opera: Re-evaluation in Italian cinema.

    • Non-verbal communication through film music in representation of social issues.

    • Cross-media influences of the record and film industry.

    • Foley artistry and local sound practices in Italian cinema.

    • Cultural ambiguities of the soundscape during the economic miracle.

    • Experimental documentaries, emphasizing composite roles in film music creation.

Conclusion of the Issue

  • The guest editors highlight the collaborative effort in preparing the issue, with multiple authors enhancing research collaboration, addressing the evolving discourse on film music and sound in Italy.

  • The articles emphasize reassessing traditional paradigms surrounding film music and exploring a broader context for Italian cinema, moving beyond auteurist perspectives.