Answer:
Alain Resnais's use of flashbacks in "Hiroshima mon amour" (1959) was particularly jarring to spectators of the time for several reasons:
1. Nonlinear Narrative: The film employed a non-linear narrative structure, which was relatively unconventional for its time. Instead of presenting events in a chronological order, Resnais used flashbacks and flash-forwards to create a fragmented and emotionally charged narrative. This departure from traditional storytelling was disorienting for audiences accustomed to more straightforward narratives.
2. Emotional Intensity: The flashbacks in "Hiroshima mon amour" were used to evoke intense emotions and memories of personal trauma and loss. The film's protagonist, Elle, played by Emmanuelle Riva, shares her experiences as a Frenchwoman in Hiroshima during World War II and her passionate love affair with a Japanese man. The use of flashbacks to depict these deeply personal and emotional moments added to the film's emotional impact and was unsettling for viewers.
3. Artistic Experimentation: Alain Resnais was a pioneer of the French New Wave movement, which was known for its experimental and avant-garde filmmaking techniques. "Hiroshima mon amour" was a prime example of this experimental approach, and the use of flashbacks was part of Resnais's artistic exploration. Audiences accustomed to more conventional storytelling were likely taken aback by this departure from the norm.
4. Ambiguity and Interpretation: The film's flashbacks and non-linear structure added to its overall ambiguity and open-endedness. It left room for interpretation and required viewers to actively engage with the narrative to piece together the story and its themes. This departure from the more straightforward storytelling of the time could have been perplexing for audiences.
In summary, Alain Resnais's use of flashbacks in "Hiroshima mon amour" challenged traditional storytelling conventions, evoked intense emotions, and contributed to the film's experimental and ambiguous nature. This departure from the norm likely left spectators of the time feeling disoriented and intrigued, making the film a significant work in the history of cinema.
Step-by-step explanation: