Overview
This lecture introduces the course structure, covers the early history of the American film industry, examines the film "Birth of a Nation," and explains key concepts from the Frankfurt School and the culture industry.
Course Logistics
- Complete the syllabus quiz and ensure you have access to all required films.
- Contact the instructor if you cannot access any movie.
- Participate in the optional introductory discussion board.
- You must complete five discussion boards of your choice for course credit.
Early American Film Industry
- American film began in the late 19th century with moving images made from spliced still photos.
- Thomas Edison invented the kinetoscope (for motion) and kinetophone (for sound) in 1889.
- "The Great Train Robbery" (1903) was the first true film, inspiring the Western genre.
- Innovations included firing a gun into the camera and the split screen technique.
- Nickelodeons (1904–1906) offered cheap movie tickets and helped films reach mass audiences.
- Hollywood's rise around 1910 was aided by its weather and distance from Edison's patents.
Major Film Industry Developments by Decade
- World War I era: Use of film for propaganda became prominent.
- "The Jazz Singer" (1927): First "talkie" film, started sound era.
- 1930s–1950s: Golden Age of Hollywood; the term "movie star" became popular.
- 1940s: Films were a major source of news and wartime propaganda.
- 1950s: Television caused a drop in movie attendance but led to bigger film budgets.
- 1960s: Films targeted teenagers; rise of comedies, musicals, and sci-fi.
- 1980s: VCRs allowed movies (especially kids’ films) to reach new home markets.
- 1990s–2000s: Studios relied on blockbuster hits and special effects, with big-budget actors.
"Birth of a Nation" (1915)
- First epic "blockbuster," silent and black-and-white, screened at the White House.
- Depicts two families (Stoneman from the North, Camerons from the South) before, during, and after the Civil War.
- The film is controversial for its depiction of the KKK and was used as KKK recruitment material.
- NAACP led protests against the film due to its racist content.
- Important as an early example of propaganda in film and is preserved in the Library of Congress.
Frankfurt School and the Culture Industry
- The Frankfurt School were social theorists, many Jewish, focused on critical theory and power dynamics in society.
- Fled to the US in the 1930s, notably Adorno and Horkheimer, who wrote about the culture industry.
- The culture industry thesis argues that all cultural production is propaganda, shaping public thought.
- In capitalism, media keeps "false consciousness" and social stability by promoting the views of those in power.
- Media content is repetitive because it works, and entertainment reinforces the work process.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Kinetoscope — Early motion picture device invented by Edison for viewing moving pictures.
- Nickelodeon — Early movie theaters charging five cents for admission.
- Golden Age of Hollywood — Period (c. 1930–1955) marked by huge studio productions and major film stars.
- Propaganda — Media used to influence public opinion for political purposes.
- Frankfurt School — Group of scholars focused on critiquing society through analysis of power and culture.
- Culture Industry — Theory that mass-produced culture manipulates and pacifies society for the benefit of those in power.
- False Consciousness — Marxist idea where people are misled about their real interests by ruling-class ideologies.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Watch "Birth of a Nation" and analyze body language, music, character sympathy, and moral messages for the discussion board.
- Read the assigned excerpt from Adorno and Horkheimer’s "Culture Industry" and pay attention to key quotes discussed.
- Reflect on how "Birth of a Nation" exemplifies the culture industry, considering the historical context.
- Choose whether to participate in this week’s discussion board; remember you must complete five throughout the course.