Welcome to our online creative writing course exploring the captivating relationship between text and cinema. In this course, we will delve into the innovative narrative techniques of the Nouveau Roman literary movement, particularly through the lens of one of its prominent figures, Alain Robbe-Grillet. Through his groundbreaking approach to storytelling, Robbe-Grillet challenged traditional narrative structures and blurred the boundaries between written language and visual imagery. We will also examine the influential film "Last Year at Marienbad," directed by Alain Resnais and written by Robbe-Grillet, which exemplifies the interplay between text and cinema in its enigmatic narrative style. Join us as we explore how these artistic mediums converge and diverge, inspiring new possibilities for creative expression and storytelling.

theory

The Nouveau Roman, or New Novel, was a literary movement that emerged in France in the mid-20th century, primarily in the 1950s and 1960s. Led by writers such as Alain Robbe-Grillet, Nathalie Sarraute, Marguerite Duras, and Claude Simon, the Nouveau Roman sought to revolutionize the traditional novel by challenging conventional narrative techniques and exploring new forms of storytelling.

At its core, the Nouveau Roman rejected the linear, plot-driven narratives of traditional fiction in favor of a more experimental and introspective approach. Instead of focusing on character development and chronological storytelling, Nouveau Roman authors emphasized fragmented narratives, subjective perspectives, and the exploration of language itself as a central theme.

From the perspective of the Nouveau Roman, the relationship between text and cinema is characterized by a shared interest in narrative experimentation and the blurring of boundaries between different artistic mediums. Many Nouveau Roman authors, including Alain Robbe-Grillet, were also involved in filmmaking and were influenced by cinematic techniques in their literary works.

In both text and cinema, Nouveau Roman authors and filmmakers sought to challenge traditional storytelling conventions and explore new ways of representing subjective experience. They experimented with nonlinear narratives, unreliable narrators, and ambiguous imagery to create works that resist easy interpretation and invite audiences to engage actively with the narrative.

Furthermore, the Nouveau Roman's interest in the materiality of language and the sensory experience of reading aligns closely with the visual and auditory aspects of cinema. Both text and cinema have the power to evoke emotions, sensations, and images in the mind of the viewer/reader, blurring the boundaries between reality and fiction and inviting audiences to question their perceptions of the world.

Overall, the relationship between text and cinema from the perspective of the Nouveau Roman is characterized by a mutual interest in narrative innovation, subjective storytelling, and the exploration of the boundaries between different artistic mediums. Through their experimental approach to storytelling, Nouveau Roman authors and filmmakers have made significant contributions to both literature and cinema, challenging audiences to reconsider the nature of narrative and the ways in which we engage with stories.

inspirations

The cinematographer Willy Kurant and the director Alain Robbe-Grillet on the set of the film "Trans-Europ-Express" in 1966. (Andre Soupart/Photo12)

Alain Robbe-Grillet (1922–2008) was a French writer and filmmaker known for his pioneering contributions to the Nouveau Roman literary movement. The relationship between the topic of text and cinema, particularly in the context of Alain Robbe-Grillet, is deeply intertwined with the concept of narrative experimentation and the blurring of boundaries between written language and visual storytelling. Robbe-Grillet, a prominent figure of the Nouveau Roman literary movement, was known for his innovative approach to narrative structure and his exploration of subjective reality.

In both his literary works and his films, Robbe-Grillet challenged traditional narrative conventions by prioritizing the sensory experience over linear storytelling. His novels often feature intricate descriptions of physical spaces and objects, presented in a fragmented and repetitive manner that invites readers to engage with the text in a non-linear fashion. Similarly, his films, such as "Last Year at Marienbad" and "Trans-Europ-Express," employ unconventional narrative techniques, including nonlinear editing, ambiguous dialogue, and repetitive imagery, to create an immersive cinematic experience.

Robbe-Grillet's work blurs the distinction between text and image, inviting audiences to question the nature of reality and the role of perception in shaping our understanding of the world. By experimenting with the interplay between text and cinema, he challenges viewers to actively engage with the narrative, inviting them to become co-creators of meaning in the process. In this way, Robbe-Grillet's exploration of text and cinema exemplifies the dynamic relationship between written language and visual storytelling, paving the way for new forms of artistic expression.

"Last Year at Marienbad" (1961), directed by Alain Resnais and written by Alain Robbe-Grillet, is a film that blurs the boundaries between text and cinema in a unique and enigmatic way. The film's narrative is deliberately fragmented and ambiguous, inviting viewers to interpret the story in multiple ways.

At its core, "Last Year at Marienbad" is a film about memory, perception, and the elusive nature of truth. The storyline revolves around a man who tries to convince a woman that they met the previous year at the same hotel in Marienbad and had a romantic encounter. However, the woman claims not to remember him or their supposed meeting, leading to a series of cryptic conversations and surreal sequences.

Robbe-Grillet's screenplay for the film is characterized by its sparse dialogue, repetitive imagery, and dreamlike atmosphere. The narrative unfolds in a non-linear fashion, with past, present, and future events overlapping and intertwining. This fragmented structure mirrors the workings of memory and perception, suggesting that the events depicted on screen may be subjective interpretations rather than objective reality.

In addition to its narrative ambiguity, "Last Year at Marienbad" is also notable for its visual style, which is highly stylized and meticulously composed. The film features long tracking shots, elaborate set designs, and symmetrical framing, creating a sense of visual poetry that complements the elusive nature of the story.

Overall, the relationship between text and cinema in "Last Year at Marienbad" is one of mutual influence and interplay. Robbe-Grillet's screenplay provides the framework for Resnais's visual interpretation, while Resnais's direction enhances the poetic and enigmatic qualities of Robbe-Grillet's writing. Together, they create a cinematic experience that challenges viewers to question the nature of reality and the reliability of memory.

creative exercise

Title:
"Echoes of reality"

Objective:
In this creative writing exercise, you will craft a screenplay inspired by the themes and techniques of Nouveau Roman literature. Embrace the experimental nature of the movement by incorporating nonlinear storytelling, ambiguous dialogue, and repetitive imagery to create an enigmatic and immersive narrative experience.

Instructions:

1. Rejection of traditional narrative structures:

• Begin by rejecting conventional storytelling techniques such as linear plotlines and traditional character development.
  
• Experiment with fragmented narratives, presenting events in a non-chronological order or from multiple perspectives.

2. Focus on external details:

• Emphasize external observations and descriptive details over delving into characters' inner thoughts and emotions.
  
• Describe physical spaces and environments in vivid detail, using them to shape the mood and atmosphere of the narrative.

3. Use of repetition:

• Employ repetition as a literary device to create rhythm and resonance throughout the screenplay.
  
• Echo motifs, images, and phrases to reinforce key themes and ideas.

4. Exploration of Subjective reality:

• Blur the line between reality and imagination, inviting the audience to question the reliability of their own perceptions.
  
• Experiment with dream sequences or surreal imagery to convey characters' subjective experiences.

5. Absence of traditional plot progression:

• Challenge traditional narrative arcs by eschewing clear beginnings, middles, and ends.
  
• Allow the story to unfold organically, leaving room for interpretation and exploration.

6. Minimalist prose:

• Embrace a sparse and concise writing style, focusing on clarity and precision in your dialogue and descriptions.
  
• Use language sparingly to convey meaning and evoke atmosphere.

7. Unreliable narration:

• Feature unreliable narrators who distort or manipulate the events of the story, adding layers of ambiguity and complexity.
  
• Keep the audience guessing about the true nature of the narrative and its characters.

8. Emphasis on spatial descriptions:

• Utilize detailed descriptions of physical spaces and environments to immerse the audience in the world of the screenplay.
  
• Use spatial descriptions to convey mood, tone, and character psychology.

9. Self-reflexivity:

• Incorporate metafictional elements into the screenplay, blurring the line between fiction and reality.
  
• Experiment with characters who are aware of being observed or who question the nature of storytelling itself.

10. Symbolic imagery:

• Infuse objects and settings with symbolic significance, using them as metaphors for larger themes and ideas.
  
• Explore the deeper meaning behind recurring symbols and motifs throughout the screenplay.

11. Open-ended conclusions:

• Conclude the screenplay with an open-ended resolution, leaving room for interpretation and speculation.
  
• Encourage the audience to reflect on the themes and ideas presented, drawing their own conclusions about the story.

12. Disruption of reader expectations:

• Challenge audience expectations by subverting genre conventions and narrative norms.
  
• Keep the audience engaged by introducing unexpected plot twists and turns.

13. Experimentation with language:

• Push the boundaries of traditional language and structure, exploring new ways to convey meaning and emotion.
  
• Play with syntax, rhythm, and tone to create a unique and engaging reading experience.

14. Deconstruction of traditional genres:
    - Deconstruct traditional genre boundaries, blurring the lines between fiction and non-fiction, prose and poetry, and autobiography and fiction.
    - Explore hybrid forms and unconventional narrative structures to create a fresh and innovative screenplay.

By embracing the techniques and themes of Nouveau Roman literature, you will craft a screenplay that challenges traditional storytelling conventions and invites the audience on a journey of exploration and discovery. Enjoy the process of experimentation and creativity as you bring your unique vision to life on the page.

stay motivated!

As we reach the end of this creative journey together, I want to emphasize the importance of embracing your art and sharing it with the world. Your words hold power, your stories have meaning, and your creativity deserves to be celebrated. Don't keep your work hidden away in a drawer—let it breathe, let it be seen, let it inspire. Whether it's through a social media post, a self-published booklet, a spoken word performance, or even a sticker adorning a city street, find ways to share your art with others. Be proud of what you've created, and remember that your voice matters. So, go forth with confidence, courage, and creativity. Show the world what you're made of, and let your light shine bright.

Photo: Alain Resnais, "Last Year at Marienbad", 1961