The History of Movies

Learning Objectives

1. Identify key points in the development of the motion picture industry.
2. Identify key developments of the motion picture industry and technology.
3. Identify influential films in movie history.

Early Beginnings (19th Century)

• Technological Foundations: Emergence of photography, illusion of motion, locomotion study.
• Thomas Edison & Kinetoscope (1891): Edison and Dickson's invention allowed individual viewing.
  • Kinetoscope: Light bulb and lens projected images rapidly spooled film.
  • Popularity led to installation in various venues.
  • Edison's resistance to projection innovation.

Lumière Brothers and Cinematographe (1895)

• Auguste and Louis Lumière: Pioneers in projecting films for audience viewing.
  • First commercial screening in Paris.
  • Films depicted everyday scenes; cinema seen as a novelty.
• Public Reaction: Films were overwhelming; viewers experienced disbelief and delight.

Early Film Pioneers

• Georges Méliès: Innovator in special effects and narrative film.
  • Created narrative cinema with films like "Trip to the Moon".
  • Experimented with magical transformations and tricks.

Nickelodeon Craze (1904-1908)

• Edwin S. Porter: Key filmmaker; "The Great Train Robbery" introduced editing innovations.
• Nickelodeons: Affordable entertainment for working class, establishing film as mass media.

Motion Picture Industry Formation

• Motion Picture Patents Company (MPPC) (1908): Attempt to control industry through patents.
• Emergence of Features: Longer films attracted higher-paying audiences. Features challenged MPPC's control.

Hollywood's Rise

• Location Benefits: Year-round filming, diverse topographies, and cheap land.
• Silent Film Era: D.W. Griffith developed film as art through techniques like parallel editing.

MPAA and Censorship

• Scandals and Censorship: Arbuckle scandal led to MPAA formation for self-regulation.
• Rating System: Voluntary system to protect artistic freedom and guide viewers.

Silent Film's Decline

• Warner Bros. and Sound Films: Introduction of Vitaphone; "The Jazz Singer" initiated talkies.

Technicolor

• Dye-Transfer Technique: Developed in 1920s, refined in 1930s.
• Impact: Made color film more affordable and increased its popularity post-1940s.

Hollywood Studio System

• Golden Age: Dominance and control by major studios; decline due to antitrust laws and TV.

Post-World War II Challenges

• Television Impact: Reduced cinema audiences.
• Color Film and Wide-Screen: Innovations to attract viewers back to theaters.

Cultural Shifts in the 60s and 70s

• Youth Culture: Films like "Easy Rider" reflected social changes.
• Blockbusters and Sequels: Rise in big-budget productions and sequels.

1990s and Beyond

• Divergence in Cinema: Blockbuster spectacles vs. low-budget independent films.
• Digital Effects and CGI: Enhanced cinematic experiences.

Key Takeaways

• Early contributions by Edison and the Lumière brothers paved the way for the industry.
• Introduction of sound and color revolutionized cinema.
• Hollywood's dominance faced challenges with TV and antitrust legislation.
• Shifts in cultural and technological trends continue to shape the industry.

Exercises

• Select four films that highlight significant developments in film history and analyze their impact and technological contributions.