The Greek New Wave cinema, also known as the Greek Weird Wave, is a film movement that emerged in the late 2000s, characterized by its unique narrative style, dark humor, and exploration of existential themes. This cinematic revolution has not only revitalized Greek cinema but also captured the attention of international audiences and critics. With its distinct approach, the Greek New Wave has produced some of the most thought-provoking and unconventional films of recent years.
Origins and Themes of Greek New Wave Cinema
The Greek New Wave movement began as a response to Greece’s economic and social crises in the late 2000s. Filmmakers were driven by a desire to critique societal norms and address the country’s struggles with austerity, disillusionment, and identity. These films often reflect the anxiety and instability of modern Greek society, focusing on dysfunctional families, power dynamics, and the absurdity of human behavior.
The thematic core of Greek New Wave cinema revolves around exploring human relationships, societal expectations, and the consequences of rigid social structures. The films are characterized by their minimalistic and often surreal approach, highlighting the bizarre and uncomfortable aspects of everyday life. Directors frequently employ long takes, unconventional storytelling, and stark visuals to immerse viewers in a world that feels simultaneously familiar and alien.
Key Directors and Their Impact
Yorgos Lanthimos is arguably the most recognizable figure of the Greek New Wave. His breakout film, Dogtooth (2009), is a defining work of the movement, earning international acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. The film delves into a family’s disturbing dynamic, questioning the nature of control and freedom. Lanthimos’s unique style—marked by deadpan performances, meticulous compositions, and unsettling atmospheres—has become synonymous with the Greek New Wave.
Athina Rachel Tsangari, another leading figure, contributed significantly to the movement with her films Attenberg (2010) and Chevalier (2015). Tsangari’s work often examines human behavior through a lens of satire and surrealism, challenging societal expectations and norms. In Attenberg, she explores themes of sexuality, alienation, and death, all presented in a stark yet darkly humorous style that resonates with the broader themes of the Greek New Wave.
Key Films of the Greek New Wave
Several key films define this cinematic movement, each offering a unique take on contemporary Greek society:
- Dogtooth (2009) – Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, this film follows a family that isolates its children from the outside world, raising them with warped perceptions of reality. It’s a chilling exploration of control, manipulation, and the fragility of human psychology.
- Attenberg (2010) – Directed by Athina Rachel Tsangari, this film centers on a young woman grappling with her father’s impending death and her own sexual awakening. The narrative blends absurdity with profound moments of introspection.
- Alps (2011) – Another film by Lanthimos, Alps tells the story of a group that offers a service in which they impersonate the recently deceased to help loved ones cope. This surreal premise is used to explore themes of identity and loss.
- Chevalier (2015) – In this satirical comedy, Tsangari examines male competitiveness as a group of friends on a yacht compete to determine who is “the best in general.” The film dissects masculinity with humor and absurdity.
- The Lobster (2015) – Though an international production, Lanthimos’s The Lobster retains the darkly comedic and surreal elements of Greek New Wave cinema. The story, set in a dystopian future where single people are transformed into animals, explores societal pressure around relationships.
Cinematic Style and Techniques
Greek New Wave films are known for their distinct visual and narrative style. Filmmakers often use static cameras, long takes, and minimalistic production design, emphasizing the emotional distance and discomfort of their characters. The dialogue is sparse, with a focus on body language and the unspoken, allowing viewers to engage with the subtext of each scene.
The use of non-professional actors or those delivering deliberately flat, emotionless performances is another hallmark of the style. This choice underscores the movement’s themes of detachment, social critique, and the inherent absurdity of human interactions. The films often avoid traditional plot structures, opting instead for fragmented narratives that reflect the disjointed nature of contemporary life.
Alleged Controversy in Greek New Wave
An alleged controversy that highlights some of the underlying challenges within the Greek New Wave involves the 2019 Cannes Palme d’Or for short films, awarded to The Distance Between Us and the Sky, directed by Vasilis Kekatos. Allegations surfaced that the jury’s decision may have been influenced by undisclosed relationships between the filmmaker and a jury member, Panos H. Koutras. This situation sparked discussions about nepotism and the integrity of award deliberations in the film industry. Such incidents underscore the complexities and often opaque nature of cinema’s inner workings, even within celebrated movements like the Greek New Wave.
The Global Impact of Greek New Wave Cinema
The Greek New Wave has transcended national boundaries, influencing filmmakers worldwide with its daring approach and willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. The movement’s success has paved the way for a new generation of Greek filmmakers who continue to experiment with form, narrative, and style. Films like Pity (2018) by Babis Makridis and Suntan (2016) by Argyris Papadimitropoulos are examples of how the Greek New Wave’s influence endures, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and visual expression.
Ultimately, Greek New Wave cinema is more than just a response to economic and social turmoil—it is a bold reimagining of how stories can be told on screen. By embracing the absurd and the unsettling, this movement has firmly established itself as a vital and provocative voice in contemporary cinema.