When you search on google for minimalism in film minimalist film minimalist" It's surprising how few relevant entries I found. In fact I don't even see those words being used much online. The definition of minimalism from Wikipedia is: Minimalism describes movements in various forms of art and design, especially visual art and music, where the work is stripped down to its most fundamental features. I like this definition; but I would like to expand it some when referencing film. My thoughts: It's easy to visually entice your audience when you spend millions of dollars on helicopters, tanks, explosions, computer animation, but all those image don't make a good movie. As special effects and movie budgets have progressed Hollywood directors seem to throw money and expertise at weak cliche ridden plots. While audience attention spans are low, As a screenwriter and filmmaker I've been interested in film and scripts that have the ability to absolutely captivate an audience without any complicated effects, sets. Wikipedia as pointed to this director: Robert Bresson (September 25, 1901 December 18, 1999) who was a French film director well known for his mastery of minimalist film-making. I've never seen any of his stuff, but I will now. What excites me most about minimalism is the power of the screenwriter to affect the story. Here are some examples of really minimalist movies I've seen that are worth looking at: My Dinner with Andre (1981) Vanya on 42nd Street (1994) Open Water (2003) Blair Witch