This thesis addresses the international mode of contemporary slow cinema. Comprised of films notable for long takes, minimalist narratives, and a careful sense of attention to quotidian daily activities, this mode has received increased scholarly attention in recent years. Contrary to existing scholarship, this thesis proposes a malleable relationship between slow aesthetics and popular modes. More specifically, this thesis also introduces the concept of the "hangout film," a popular mode in which duration, nostalgia, and the presentation of daily activities are essential to its style. Through analysis of films by Tsai Ming-liang, Kelly Reichardt, and Quentin Tarantino, this thesis argues for an expanded understanding of cinematic slowness and its presence in contemporary films.Bachelor of Art
