Important Eras in Cinema History The cultural role of film in the United States.
Post on 17-Dec-2015
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What do you know about ….?
The 1920’s?
The 1930’s?
The 1940’s?
The 1950’s?
In groups, brainstorm what you know about each of these decades. What was going on in politics, art, culture, etc. in each of these time periods? Focus mostly on the United States.
Breakdown by Decade
1920’s◦The silent era
1930’s◦The talkies◦The studio era
1940’s◦The “Golden Age” of
Hollywood◦The War Years◦Film Noir
1950’s◦Cold War◦Epic Films◦Television
1960’s◦End of Studios/Birth of the
Independents1970’s
◦American “New Wave”◦Blockbuster Era
1980’s◦Teen Films◦Sequels
1990’s◦Rise of the Independents
2000’s and beyond◦Computer-based
production
The 1920’s
The “Roaring 20’s”:◦Cultural revolution: extreme changes in fashion,
sexual roles, music, etc. Large break from tradition/older generations Jazz emerged Flappers
Women gained the right to vote in 1920Prohibition started in 1920 (alcohol was illegal)Gangland crime became prominent (Al
Capone)The Great Migration (1916-1930)Beginning of the Harlem RenaissanceInflux of immigrants from Europe, etc.
The 1920’s in Film
Silent films
Most films were either dramas or comedies
Birth of the movie studios (MGM, RKO, Paramount, Warner
Bros, Fox
Emergence of the movie star
Movie Palaces: huge, ornate movie theatres built all over
the country to serve the new entertainment of films
Charlie Chaplin
His character
◦ the Tramp (slang for a
hobo/homeless person)
◦ Similar to a clown (doesn’t speak,
physically amusing, sad, shy)
His Role as a Filmmaker
◦ Kept control over most of his films
◦ Produced and directed his own
films
◦ Co-founded a film studio with other
early stars (United Artists)
The 1930’s
The Great Depression◦The Works Progress
Administration◦Escapism
Movies Books, especially
mysteries (detective stories)
World War II◦Hitler rises to power in
Germany in 1933◦War in Europe begins
in 1939
Film in the 1930’s
The Talkies◦First Talkie, The Jazz Singer (1927)◦All films would then have recorded soundtracks
The Hays Production Code◦1934 – late 1950’s◦Rules on what could be shown in movies◦ex: no cops killed, no long kisses, no drugs, bad
guy can’t get away with it
Film in the 1930’s
Escaping our worriesFrank Capra
◦Italian-American◦Directed many films that touched on everyday
people in heroic situations◦Extremely optimistic films about America;
inspiring patriotism and Musicals
◦Highly produced filmsMysteries
◦Detective stories based on popular books and radio shows
African-Americans in 1930’s Cinema
Stereotypical Roles◦The good-natured servant (mammy, maid,
butler, etc.)◦The comic
Race Films◦All-black cast and crew◦Small budget
Hattie McDaniel and Gone with the Wind (1939)◦Won Best Supporting Actress for her role as
Mammy
Ideas and Ideals in Film
You Can’t Take It with You◦Directed by Frank Capra◦1938◦Starring Jimmy Stewart, Jean Arthur, and Lionel
Barrymore
While you watch, think about ◦The different messages of the film.◦How they show different classes of people (rich
vs. poor/working).◦How they depict African-Americans
The 1940’s
World War II◦Begins for the US with
the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
◦Many, many Americans fought in the war
◦Largely supported by the American people on the homefront, including rationing, etc.
The 1940’s
Women went to workSegregation existed
(in the army too)Art and
entertainment existed as propaganda◦Propaganda: the
spreading of ideas to support a cause, etc. – often in the form of images
Film in the 1940’s
Film as propaganda and document◦Supporting the war◦ Inspiring for the homefront (those not at war)◦Celebrating those involved
Film Noir◦Mysteries (often gangster films)◦Shot in black and white; high key lighting (high
contrast)◦Created a formula for mysteries, etc.◦Offered an escape from the worries of war, restraint.
Golden Age of Hollywood◦Movie stars◦Many movies were made
A Sampling of 1940’s Films
Casablanca, 1942◦A love story set in
Northern Africa during the war; major themes of good vs. evil and self-sacrifice
The Best Years of Our Lives, 1946◦A story about men returning home after the
war, very dramatic. Many feel it captured the true spirit of those involved with the time.
The Maltese Falcon, 1941◦Film noir that
followed many aspects of the style’s formula; provided an escape from the worries of war, etc.
The 1950’s
Emergence of the middle class due to the GI Bill
Development of the suburbs; Baby Boom generation is born
Technological advances ◦atomic bomb◦plastic
Return to traditional gender roles
Film in the 1950’s
American Ideals◦ Supported the new middle class ideals of what was a respectable
life Battling against TV
◦ new technologies (3-D, drive-in, etc) Science Fiction
◦ The role of science in people’s lives had changed Teenage films
◦ Rock and roll as a market (Elvis, etc.) was reflected in films for teenagers too, often made with rock and roll stars in them
The New Leading Lady◦ Marilyn Monroe and others who became sex symbols within
American culture The growing emergence of artistic and independent film
◦ More controversial subjects found their way into the mainstream◦ New style of acting created new stars (James Dean, Marlon
Brando, etc.) who were serious actors
Film in the 1950’s
Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire
Directed by Elia Kazan, 1951
Set in New Orleans, Louisiana
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