Austrian film form 1945 to 1968

The research project "Austrian Feature Films 1945 to 1968" is an analysis of Austrian film dramas and comedies produced from the end of the Second World War to 1968 which also outlines the basis for a stylistic history of the films of this period. This included determination of the significance of the role played and means employed by film as a popular mass media in constructing a new Austrian identity. The political leaders of the young Second Republic more or less emphatically instructed artists to perform this task. The films of this period contain numerous appeals for contributions to building as well as faith in a new Austria. Also examined were the narrative characteristics and the stylistic and esthetic traditions that set these films apart from productions from other countries and Hollywood. For example, Austrian films adopted features from the art forms that determine Austria`s image, i.e., operetta and cabaret. This was done to the extent that some films conform to the conventions of other genres rather than film grammar, which has resulted in characteristic stylistic devices with regard to camera shots and editing, and the casting of certain actors.