Spectacle Evolution Of Zhang Yimou’s Film Aesthetic Culture Research(1987-2020)

The “fifth generation”directors,represented by Zhang Yimou,pay great attention to the plastic arts of films.The idea of “narrative standard”is replaced by the idea of“spectacle”.Zhang Yimou has been active in China’s film circle for 36 years since he was a photographer in the film 《one and eight》 in 1984 and the release of 《one second》 in 2020.His films reflect the changes of social aesthetic culture in China’s contemporary nearly 40 years.Therefore,the analysis of Zhang Yimou’s films in different periods from the perspective of time and spectacle can not only give us a clear understanding of the development of Zhang Yimou’s films,but also help us to see the changes of Chinese culture since the 1980 s.This paper divides Zhang Yimou’s films into four periods by historical analysis and aesthetic analysis,and studies the spectacle aesthetic characteristics and aesthetic cultural connotation of each period.The first period,from spontaneity to self-consciousness: Zhang Yimou’s aesthetic thought of film spectacle is beginning to appear(1987-1994).During this period,Zhang Yimou’s films were influenced by the avant-garde cultural trend of the 1980 s in terms of aesthetic implication,showing the theme of bitterness and hatred,mostly rural themes.In the choice of “narrative” and “landscape”,Zhang Yimou highlights the plastic arts of the film through the use of color,props and scenes,reflecting the consciousness of landscape presentation.The second period,from consciousness to Pluralism: Zhang Yimou’s exploration of typified landscape(1995-2001).During this period,the rise of domestic popular culture and cultural industry had an impact on film production.Zhang Yimou changed from time to time and began to explore different types of films.He tried urban film themes for the first time,and also inherited and sublimated the documentary aesthetics of the fourth generation directors.The third period,spectacle film: commercial exploration of Zhang Yimou’s films(2002-2016).In the 21 st century,the wave of consumerism is set off all over the world,and the context of consumer culture is gradually formed.Zhang Yimou followed the trend of the times and began to make spectacle films.The martial arts trilogy headed by hero pursues “aesthetic surprise” in color,scene and action,creating a visual feast.The fourth period,Meditation and return after the spectacle(2017-2020).The failure of the spectacle film the Great Wall silences Zhang Yimou.The visual shock can’t make up for the narrative emptiness.Zhang Yimou’s film style presents a trend of returning to the 1980 s and 1990 s.The spectacle evolution of Zhang Yimou’s films is not only the inherent law of the film’s own development,but also the epitome of contemporary Chinese aesthetic culture.The analysis of Zhang Yimou’s films is of great significance for us to understand the development track of the fifth generation films as a whole.It is also helpful for us to summarize the factors of excellent films and summarize the experience of shooting excellent films.