The New Extremism in Cinema: From France to Europe

Explosive images of sex and violence characterize what has come to be known as the 'new extremism' in contemporary European cinema. Films by directors such as Catherine Breillat, Gaspar Noé, Michael Haneke and Lars von Trier seek to shock and provoke the spectator into powerful, visceral responses. Reports of fainting, vomiting and mass walk-outs indicate their ability to create such an effect.

This collection of essays, which includes James Quandt's influential article of the new extremism, demonstrates the necessity of these films and their controversies when considering contemporary spectatorship. The collection also includes important new work from internationally renowned scholars Martin Barker and Martine Beugnet.