Section B - Arthouse/independent > Mainstream

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A-list meets arthouse: when megastar actors work for auteurs

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Produce a working definition for each of the following:

• Mainstream cinema
• Independent cinema
• Art house cinema

Art house is a film genre which encompasses films where the content and style – often artistic or experimental – adhere with as little compromise as possible to the filmmakers’ personal artistic vision. The narrative is often in the social realism style with a focus on the characters’ contemplation of their existence or immediate concerns.

An art house film is typically independently-produced, outside of the major film studio system. Major studios are reluctant to pour money into projects which are unlikely to return a profit due to the limited – often niche market – appeal of the material. Without major studio backing, art house filmmakers rarely acquire the finances for large productions nor strongly-marketed releases.

Art house filmmakers commonly use a mix of lesser-known and amateur actors, modest production sets – typically using real-world locations – and no large stunts or special effects. The filmmakers may explore and develop new filmmaking conventions in their quest to realise their visions effectively on a limited budget.

Produce a list of stars/film talent who have crossed over from art house/independent cinema to the mainstream or vice versa.

What reasons can you find/suggest for each of your examples?

Art house to mainstream:

List specific actors/directors who have started out making smaller projects, developed their style of authorship, and converted that to mainstream success.

Mainstream to arthouse: 

List specific actors/directors who have made smaller scale projects, perhaps transferring or morphing their mainstream star identity into something else.