What was the primary focus of the New Hollywood movement that emerged in the late 1960s?

The New Hollywood movement, which emerged in the late 1960s, was characterized primarily by a shift towards artistic expression and the personal vision of filmmakers. This era saw a group of young directors taking control over the creative process, steering away from the traditional studio system that had dominated Hollywood. Filmmakers like Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Steven Spielberg sought to reflect their individual experiences and perspectives in their storytelling, often addressing complex social issues and experimenting with narrative techniques.

This focus on personal vision allowed for innovative storytelling that was less constrained by the commercial demands of the past. Filmmakers began to create works that were not only meant for mass appeal but also aimed to challenge audiences and provoke thought. The content often included darker themes, moral ambiguity, and a sense of realism, setting a precedent for the types of films that would shape contemporary cinema.

The other choices do not encapsulate the central ethos of the New Hollywood movement as effectively. While commercial success certainly became a factor later, it was the artistic freedom and the distinctive voices of the filmmakers that truly defined this transformative period in cinema history.